By The Telegraph (World News) | Created at 2024-10-29 18:11:43 | Updated at 2024-11-05 07:54:43
1 week ago
Plenty of plaudits have been lauded upon Kieran McKenna and his Ipswich side since their fairy-tale return to the Premier League, but it’s points not plaudits they need after squandering a huge chance for a first top-flight win in 22 years.
Leading 2-0 after 30 minutes thanks to a pair of well-crafted goals from Sammie Szmodics and George Hirst, Ipswich looked firmly on course to claim a first three points in the Premier League since beating Middlesbrough in April 2002.
But they were rocked by a goal against the run of play in first-half stoppage time from Yoane Wissa, and then a second that was credited as an own goal from young defender Harry Clarke after a shot by Wissa was helped over the line.
Then in the second half two Bryan Mbeumo goals either side of a Liam Delap equaliser – the second deep into stoppage time – stunned Ipswich, who could drop into the bottom three on Sunday if other results go against them.
Two minutes before Wissa’s goal, Szmodics should have added his second that McKenna said would have killed the game off.
McKenna said: “It was a big moment, there is no doubt about it.
“When you are 2-0 up away is never a safe result but you don’t want the goals to come as quick as they did. Three-nil is a lot harder to come back from but it was a good save from the keeper, but it was a good press from us to create the chance.
“But we have said it plenty of times, this is the level and we have to improve. We were so good for much of the first half we limited Brentford to very little and they create so much, especially at home.
“But we dropped our intensity a bit and were one or two yards off and they carved through the pitch and scored two excellent goals.
“Those half yards are the differences we have to make up.”
The second half was an equally chaotic affair, with the excellent Keane Lewis-Potter winning a penalty from a challenge from Clarke and Mbeumo made no mistake from the spot.
With Brentford pushing hard for a fourth goal to kill the game off, Clarke was then shown a second yellow card for yet another foul on Lewis-Potter to become the first ever Premier League player to score an own goal, concede a penalty and be sent off in the same game in a chastening first start of the season for the young full-back.
The introduction of top scorer Delap late in the second half looked to have earned Ipswich a point with the former Manchester City forward finishing superbly from a Leif Davis cross three minutes from time and seemingly salvaging a hard-earned point.
But deep into second-half stoppage time Mbeumo’s harmless looking cross somehow slipped under the hand of Arijanet Muric and rolled into the corner to hand Brentford a fourth home win in five games.
Delap did have time to hit the post with the final kick of the game with a venomous shot on the turn to leave McKenna devastated not to get something out of the game.
The Ipswich manager said: “It’s a mixture of pride in the performance, the quality and resilience we showed in what has been a really challenging week. To score three goals away from home and could have had a couple more was so positive, but it is extreme devastation to not take something.
“We showed our real identity and although we didn’t get anything to show from it, it was a step in the right direction.”
Ipswich were without skipper Sam Morsy due to a hamstring strain with midfielder Jack Taylor also picking up an injury in training on Friday and record signing Omari Hutchinson sick on the morning of the game.
They will also be without Chiedozie Ogbene for the rest of the season after the winger tore his Achilles tendon in the first half.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank said he felt great sympathy for McKenna and admitted his side’s performance in the opening period was their worst since being promoted three years ago.
Frank said: “It is easier to be on the end of the win but I feel for Kieran.
“He is working as hard as me, maybe even harder as it is his first season in the Premier League. In the first 45 they were better than us and deservedly were up 2-0. We were bad the worst 45 minutes we’ve had in the Prem to be honest.
“But we showed great character to come back and suddenly, we got belief and in the second half we were the better team.
“They had an unbelievably good attack to make it 3-3, and we perhaps got a little bit of luck at the end that the goal went in.
“But that is a big part of our strategy, to get crosses into the box.”
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola speaks to BBC Sport
“It is always nice when you have a point at the end in the last minute of the game. I don’t feel we played well but we competed well. We faced a very good team and they started better than us. It was difficult.”
On the penalty shouts from his team:
“I don’t want to talk about the referees. I prefer not to speak. After I was suspended I prefer to start a clean slate.”
On the equaliser being from a well-worked set-piece:
“Especially with the keeper, everything we were putting on the second post he was claiming everything. Luckily the last one it is difficult header but it was a great goal in a great moment.”
On Mark Travers’ performance:
“He made very good saves and kept us in the game when we were suffering. Everyone has stepped up and we finished much better.
“We played better against Arsenal but today we showed more character. You feel intimidation here and it is tough to survive but we kept in and got the draw.”
Southampton boss Russell Martin speaks to BBC Sport
“Proud of them. The courage they had and the build-up was incredible. We had some big moments so proud of that as well.
“We had more [chances] than most I think coming here. The level of courage and intensity to run and play football in our way was incredible. We’ll take a lot of belief from today. Not just the defending. The character after going 1-0 down early and the character to play in the way we want to. If we’re going to lose at least do it in the way that we can be proud of.”
On City’s goal:
“The gap for Erling Haaland is too big. We worked on trying not to leave him one-v-one too often in the box but he’s the best in the business at that.”
Feel confident of points going forward:
“I see enough with discipline and mentality, the lads believe in what they do. We have to maintain that. We should have more points on the board and we have to keep working in our way. Today we were more us than we have been in a long time and if we carry that forward we’ll be fine.
“We defended well today with the ball and we need to be brave doing that.”
Bryan Mbeumo speaks to PLP
“I know this type of cross can be dangerous, either a flick or no one touches it, and the keeper has doubt. In the end it was a goal and it was a really important win today.
“They gave it their all in defence [with ten men], so it was really hard to find the gaps. It is not always easy but I think we showed big character today.”
On going two goals down:
“They defended really well and they were really good on the counter attack as well. We knew we had to stay in the game no matter what and that is what we did. We always try to stay together, stick to the plan, and we know we have the quality to get back and that is what we tried to show.”
On if complacency let Ipswich back in it:
“Maybe [there was] a lack of focus, but we need to enjoy this kind of win.”
On Brentford’s good home record:
“It is really important to stay unbeaten at home and make it tough for the opponents to come here. We are going to try to continue to do it.”
Bernado Silva speaks to Sky Sports
The midfielder reflects on his team’s 1-0 victory against Southampton:
“We have a lot of respect for all the teams in the Premier League. These guys we played today, I watched the games they played in the season and I think they deserve a lot more points than what they’ve got.
“They press high, they try to build up with the ball. It makes it very difficult to press them because if you go man-to-man in the middle then it’s not easy for our defenders. Tough game for us but very happy with the three points.
“We’re used to that when teams defend deep against us which makes it more difficult, we have to be patient. We are used to that. We had our chances to score three or four goals to make it, but they deserve a lot of credit for what they did here today.”
Full time: Brentford 4 Ipswich 3
What an afternoon at the GTech Community Stadium.
It was goals galore, with Delap’s 86th minute effort when his team were down to 10 men almost securing an important draw for Ipswich.
But it was not to be for the visitors with a 96th minute strike from Mbeumo securing victory for the hosts and compounding more misery on Kieran McKenna’s side.
Full time: Brighton 2 Wolves 2
A quiet handshake from Gary O’Neil to his coaches greeted the final whistle. The Wolves fans had a wholly different reaction, wildly celebrating just their second point of the season, and from 2-0 down.
On such moments can seasons turn. Brighton’s players, by contrast, look dumbstruck about the outcome, such was their control of this game for an hour. That first 60 minutes was interesting without being exciting. The final 30, plus injury-time, was sensational.
Full-time: Aston Villa 1 Bournemouth 1
After midweek elation in the Champions League, it was a disappointing afternoon for Villa as they conceded a late goal to Bournemouth to draw 1-1.
The substitutes made all the difference - with Barkley coming on to score his first Villa goal on his return to the club. However, his effort wasn’t enough, with Bournemouth substitute Evanilson scoring right at the death to snatch a point for his team.
Full-time: Manchester City 1 Southampton 0
Among all the late drama, the game at the Etihad reached a quiet conclusion with Haaland’s early goal being the only one of the game.
City go top of the table - but their position could be short-lived, with Liverpool able to move back ahead with a win over Arsenal in their clash tomorrow.
Southampton grew back into it towards the end, but ultimately their winless start to the season continues.
GOAL!
Brentford 4 Ipswich 3 (Mbeumo, 90+6)
Incredible scenes at the GTech Community Stadium.
Ipswich managed to pull one back with just 10 men and were seconds away from securing an important draw... but Brentford have won it with an incredible last-minute goal.
It’s a poor effort from the visitors as Mbeumo’s effort flies past the defenders and into the far corner.
... And seconds later Delap drives down the other end and hits the post! The away fans look on in shock. They think he should have absoloutely scored there.
GOAL!
Aston Villa 1 Bournemouth 1 (Evanlison 90+7)
Late drama all over the country!
Bournemouth pulls an equalising goal back deep in extra time.
Evalison gets in front of everyone and Martinez has no option but to look on as the ball fires right into the corner.
A deep cross from Bournemouth comes to nothing as Martinez comes a long way to collect and it’s the cue for the goalkeeper to hold on to the ball to run down the clock.
Barkley becomes the 13th player to be booked, after a sliding challenge. But it has unwanted consequences for Villa.
It’s a goal to Bournemouth, with just 10 seconds of the six minutes of time added on left! Again subs combine, this time Evanilson brilliantly glancing home Marcus Tavernier’s free kick for an unlikely equaliser. Villa players can scarcely believe it as their hands sink to their hips. Bournemouth fans are ‘all limbs’!
There’s just enough time to kick off before referee Chris Kavanagh blows the whistle for full-time. There’s a few boos from Villa fans and delirium in the away end.
GOAL!
Brighton 2 Wolves 2 (Cunha, 90+3)
Wolves have done it!
An incredibly late comeback is complete thanks to Cunha.
Brighton have a chance for a third goal but mess it up, with Wolves attacking immediately on the counter. Cunha’s shot from inside the area deflects over Verbruggen and in off the crossbar.
Bedlam in the away end. Cunha strikes the equaliser moments after Brighton fluffed a four-on-one break at the other end. They didn’t start playing until an hour had gone, but for their fight, the visitors deserve to be level.
GOAL!
Brighton 2 Wolves 1 (Ait-Nouri, 88)
Could there be hope for Wolves yet?
Sarabia fires a corner in and it drops for Ait-Nouri. He smashes the ball into the net and Wolves have a deserved goal.
Game over. Evan Ferguson with his first goal of the season, a sweet swivel following a Tarik Lamptey pass. 2-0 to Brighton and the start of a modest exodus of Wolves fans. Not since November 25, 2023 had Ferguson, then a teenager, scored.
But wait, Wolves are back in it. Criag Dawson had a shot from a corner blocked by Lamptey, Rayan Ait-Nouri lashed in the rebound. No sign of the departed Wolves fans returning just yet.
GOAL!
Brentford 3 Ipswich 3 (Delap, 86)
With 10 men on the pitch, Ipswich have found an equaliser!
A cross from the left by Davis finds Delap who puts an outstretched leg out ahead of Pinnock to guide the ball beyond Flekken.
Will there be a decider in this game?
Ipswich are back on level terms with top scorer Liam Delap delivering a perfect finish to divert the ball past Mark Flekken, with what in truth, has been a rare foray forward in the second half from the 10-man Tractor Boys.
Leif Davis delivers a brilliant ball into the box and Delap gets in front Ethan Pinnock to divert the ball into the net.
Defences are very much not on top in this game.
GOAL!
Brighton 2 Wolves 0 (Ferguson, 85)
Ferguson, who replaced goal-scorer Welbeck, has scored Brighton’s second and it’s his first goal in 27 games.
That should seal it for the hosts!
Quiet at the Etihad
Since Haaland’s fifth-minute goal, the hosts have had plenty of chances to increase their lead - but have been unable to break through a resolute Southampton backline.
It has given the visitors some confidence and they will feel they might still have a chance to rescue something here...
Wolves pushing for equaliser
Wolves are getting closer to an equaliser. Bart Verbruggen was at full stretch to push a looping Cunha header over his own bar and then forced low down to hold on to a goal-bound Jorgen Strand Larsen shot.
In spite of the visitors’ pressure, there seems to be a calmness among the Brighton supporters about the eventual outcome.
Another miserable outing for Ipswich
It’s all unravelling for Ipswich as Harry Clarke’s difficult Premier League debut is brought to an end by a second yellow card 20 minutes from time.
The young academy product was given a torrid time by the lively Keane Lewis-Potter all afternoon and his foul just outside the box on the former Hull man sees referee Lewis Hall reach for his pocket.
Clarke conceded the penalty that put Brentford ahead for a foul on Potter and has been credited as scoring an own goal for the Bees’ equaliser, although Yoane Wissa will surely contest that decision.
Brentford very much in the ascendancy now as Mikkel Damsgaard’s sends a free-kick millimetres over the bar.
Liam Delap is finally brought on by Kieran McKenna.
GOAL!
Aston Villa 1 Bournemouth 0 (Barkley, 76)
Unai Emery has made three substitutions in the second half, and it is those three players who are involved in this breakthrough goal for the hosts.
The ball is headed towards the goal and Barkley slides in. He swivels and turns the ball into the back of the net from close range.
His first Premier League goal for Villa!
Barkley opens Villa’s account! The former Chelsea, Everton and England midfielder slides in to convert from close range to reward Villa’s dominance in the 77th minute. It was a real triumph for Unai Emery’s changes too as Ian Maatsen crosses, Leon Bailey heads it down and Barkley slides in to poke it home.
Barkley celebrates his first goal of his second spell with Villa with a huge haymaker fist punch in front of the Holte End.
Red card adds to McKenna’s misery
Harry Clarke, Ipswich’s academy graduate who made his first Premier League start today, has just received a second yellow and been sent off.
It was his foul that gifted Brentford their penalty and he has now received a second booking after bringing down Lewis-Potter just outside the box.
After such a bright start to the match for Kieran McKenna, it’s all looking rather bleak now.
All Brentford at the GTech Stadium
Kieran McKenna will need to make some changes soon if his team has any chance of getting back into this game.
It was going perfectly for his side, who were firmly on the front foot and two goals up in the first half. However, a remarkable three-goal comeback from the hosts has put them firmly in charge ever since.
As it stands, McKenna’s winless start to the Premier League season continues...
Bournemouth goalkeeper frustrating the hosts
Travers has earned his money today as he pulls off two more saves to keep the score goalless. First the Bournemouth keeper tips over Pau Torres’ swerving 25-yarder, then he does the same to a Watkins header from Matty Cash’s cross.
Bournemouth make a double substitution in the 65th minute, with Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier replacing Kluivert and Unal.
Not the desired effect...
In a break of play, one of Fabian Hurzeler’s coaching staff called Carlos Baleba over to the touchline and passed him a note which the Cameroon midfielder read.
His next act was to give the ball away with a misplaced pass. I’m not sure that will have been the instruction.
City should be clear
Quite remarkable that the scoreline at the Etihad is still just 1-0, with the hosts creating chance after chance.
Southampton lose possession in a dangerous position and Nunes runs onto the ball. He goes for goal but his finish is hooked off target.
Haaland then has yet another chance to double his goal tally. A deep cross finds the striker who heads the ball back towards goal. Bednarek does well to clear the danger.
Villa still searching for breakthrough
Tielemans’ rising drive was deflected over the bar before Ross Barkley’s deflected header went the same way following Tielemans’ corner.
McGinn becomes the latest player to be booked after shoving Kerkez as the wide man surged past him.
GOAL!
Brentford 3 Ipswich 2 (Mbeumo, 51 pen)
The hosts’ comeback is complete!
Mbeumo steps up and coolly converts from the spot.
He sends it down the middle to give his team the lead, piling more misery on Ipswich who were 2-0 up at one point.
Bryan Mbeumo scores from the penalty spot for Brentford after young Ipswich defender Harry Clarke allowed Lewis-Potter to get on the wrong side of him and grabbed his shirt outside the box, but his momentum carried inside the area. A VAR consultation confirms that is a spot kick and Mbeumo, despite Yoane Wissa being on a hat-trick, strikes the ball high into the net.
Kalvin Phillips saves the blushes of Arjanet Muric who allows a simple pass to go under his foot, with the England international hacking the ball off the line.
Southampton were in this position last week against Leicester, could another newly-promoted team squander a two-goal lead and missed chances in a bid for a first Premier League win?
Penalty to Brentford
Clarke fouls Lewis-Potter and pulls him down inside the box.
After a VAR check, the penalty is given.
Brentford have the chance to go 3-2 up. Here comes Mbeumo...
City firing on all cylinders
The home side have started this second half in fine form.
Foden has a good chance after Savinho bursts through the Southampton defence and passes across. Foden shoots and his low strike towards the bottom corner goes just wide.
There are then two clearances off the line - Gvardiol collects at the back post and his header across goal is cleared off the line by Bednarek. Haaland is then perfectly placed in the Southampton box to send a header into the net but Harwood-Bellis manages to clear it away.
Haaland then makes an uncharacteristic miss in front of the goal. Savinho whips a ball across the Southampton defence and Haaland comes in at the back post. From two yards out, he somehow manages to miss the target. He’ll be very frustrated with that.
Southampton hanging on grimly.
Kick-off
The 3pm matches are back underway for the second half with Ipswich, Southampton, and Wolves all still searching for their first wins of the Premier League season.
Gary O’Neil isn’t going to fail wondering this afternoon. Carlos Forbs and Pablo Sarabia are on for Toti and Mario Lemina to start the second half. The trouble with thinking that you have easier fixtures coming up is the pressure you feel to win them when they finally come around. O’Neil quite rightly doesn’t want to wait.
Villa have made a half-time substitution with Ross Barkley replacing Onana in central midfield.
The home side immediately return to the attack and Tielemans’s shot is deflected behind off Lewis Cook for the first of two successive corners.
Half-time: Aston Villa 0 Bournemouth 0
It ended up being a frustrating first half for the hosts after John McGinn’s goal was ruled off after the VAR officials deemed the ball went out of play in the build-up.
Bournemouth have grown into the game since and both teams have had plenty of chances.
This one could still go either way.
Half-time: Manchester City 1 Southampton 0
Just the one-goal lead for the hosts at the break after Haaland put City in front and ended his three-game league goal drought.
Southampton haven’t been too bad since that early goal and have dug their heels in to ensure they didn’t concede any more before half-time.
Archer had a big chance to level the scoreline but it was a frustrating missed opportunity for the visitors.
One breakaway and Southampton had a golden chance to equalise but Archer hits the bar. You don’t get many chances here and that was only Southampton’s second attack of note. Archer really needed to take it.
Half-time: Brighton 1 Wolves 0
A personal milestone for Danny Welbeck. Twice in his Brighton career, the striker has scored six Premier League goals for the club.
This one has put Brighton ahead at half-time after a lovely team move. Ferdi Kadioglu slipped the ball into Georginio Rutter who in turn helped it onto Welbeck. A clipped finish over the outstretched legs of Jose Sa did the rest.
A deserved lead for the Seagulls.
Half-time: Brentford 2 Ipswich 2
Another crazy half of football here at Brentford as Yoane Wissa gets the Bees back on level terms with two goals inside a minute to turn this game on its head.
Wissa timed his run to perfection to stay just onside and hammered the ball past Arijanet Muric less than a minute after he had pulled a goal back for the home side. That goal looked to be a lifeline for Brentford as Wissa marked his return to the side with his third goal of the season.
Keane Lewis-Potter’s enterprising run down the Ipswich right picked out Vitaly Janelt and the German square the ball into the path of Wissa who cooly slotted past Muric.
It should really have been 3-0 to Ipswich just before Brentford’s first goal as the aggressive pressing from the visitors caused panic in the Brentford box. Mark Flekken’s short goal kick was taken off the toes of Ethan Pinnock by Sammie Szomidics, but the Bees keeper spread himself to block the Ireland striker’s effort.
A chaotic 45 minutes.
Chances for both sides at Villa Park
Villa respond to their lull by forcing another save from Travers. This time it’s a fierce rising drive from Onana in the D from McGinn’s headed knockdown and the Bournemouth keeper flips it over the bar.
Bournemouth hit back with a 12-yard glancing header from Unal that has plenty of pace on it but it fizzes wide, from Kerkez’s cross.
GOAL!
Brentford 2 Ipswich 2 (Wissa, 45+1)
Wissa again - what an ending to this first half.
However, the VAR room are looking at this, with the lines being drawn... could this be a let-off for Ipswich?
... The answer is no as the goal is given. Wissa is deemed to be onside and it’s all level at the GTech just before half-time.
GOAL!
Brighton 1 Wolves 0 (Welbeck, 45)
It’s three in three for Welbeck as he capitalises on a mistake by the Wolves goalkeeper.
Sa misplaces his pass forward and it falls into the path of Kadioglu. He quickly passes to Rutter who slides its across to Welbeck inside the area. The striker makes no mistake in firing first time and his effort soars into the bottom corner.
GOAL!
Brentford 1 Ipswich 2 (Wissa, 43)
After a period of pressure from the visitors, Brentford pull one back against the run of play!
Wissa shoots and scores from close range after a good driving run from Lewis-Potter. He crosses to Janelt who passes through to Wissa - the home fans will be delighted to see his return to the starting XI.
Not pretty viewing for Wolves fans
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is doing a lot of gesticulating in his technical area, urging his defenders to move their line forward to close the space between them and their midfielders.
It is the area in which Brighton are looking to play in balls and then spin it to runners into the penalty box.
Szmodics on fire for Ipswich
Ipswich are firmly on the front foot at the GTech Community Stadium - the visitors currently look firmly on course to end their winless start to the season.
Szmodics pounces on a Brentford mistake and gains possession in a dangerous area. He shoots but Flekken denies the Ipswich player from short range.
It could get messy for Brentford with Ipswich on top form and at peak confidence since securing the two-goal lead.
Dreamland for Ipswich
Ipswich are in dreamland with two goals inside as many minutes to stun Brentford.
It is just rewards for the Tractor Boys, who have looked the more cohesive side and they deservedly were in front through Sammie Szmodics’ excellent finish.
Kalvin Phillips started the move with a perfect pass that bisected the Brentford midfield and into the feet of George Hirst. His first touch is not the best, but he was helped by a clumsy touch from Nathan Collins that helps him steer the ball in to the path of the former Blackburn forward who curls the ball past Mark Flekken.
Then a minute later, Hirst doubles the lead when Conor Chaplin gets in front of Christian Norgaard to put the ball into the path of Hirst who dinks the ball over the onrushing Flekken.
But in a blow to the visitors Chiedoze Ogbene is stretchered off with a serious looking leg injury.
Chance for the visitors
Bournemouth’s first sniff of goal comes in the 26th minute. A hanging cross from Milos Kerkez is met by a weak pat-a-cake header from Enes Unal and drifts harmlessly over the bar.
Southampton struggling to break through
Approaching half an hour gone and it’s easy street for City - 1-0 up through Haaland and they’ve barely got out of second gear. Southampton are trying to keep the ball but they can’t break through City’s lines and invariably end up giving it away.
GOAL!
Brentford 0 Ipswich 2 (Hirst, 31)
Kieran McKenna made six changes to his starting XI today and his decision is certainly paying off so far.
A great finish from Hirst as he dinks it over the Brentford goalkeeper.
GOAL!
Brentford 0 Ipswich 1 (Szmodics, 28)
What a boost for the visitors!
Phillips plays a long pass forward for Hirst who plays in Szmodics in front of the box. He hits a great curling effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
McGinn has goal disallowed
John McGinn thinks he’s scored another after his midweek Champions League heroics.
But it’s being checked by VAR, with the ball in the build-up looking as if it ran out of play...
And it’s ruled off. The score line returns to 0-0.
Villa had the lead in the 28th minute – then it was snatched away by VAR. Watkins retrieves Ramsey’s wayward cross that looks to have gone out of play but the referee waves play on and John McGinn curls it into the top corner from just inside the box. But after a lengthy delay, VAR rules all of the ball had indeed gone out of play before Watkins cut the ball back.
Fiery defending from Bournemouth
Julian Araujo becomes the second Bournemouth player to be booked. Araujo lunges in trying to block Tielemans’ through ball to Jacob Ramsey and catches the latter, sending him sprawling about 25 yards out.
From the free kick swung in by Lucas Digne, Villa go desperately close to an opening goal. Amadou Onana escapes unmarked at the far post to direct a header that Travers had to tip away at full stretch with his right hand.
Quiet at the Amex for now...
The Wolves defence are standing firm at the moment but Brighton are knocking on the door with chance after chance.
Brighton have three attempts in quick succession, with the most recent falling to Baleba. He attempts a long-range volley down the middle which forces Sa to dive to his left. He manages to push it away but it feels like only a matter of time before Brighton score the opener.
Chances at both ends, but none as thrilling as Carlos Baleba’s strike of a dropping ball which forced Jose Sa into a fingertip save. The Brighton pressure is building in front of the Wolves supporters.
Tielemans puts pressure on Bournemouth
After 14 minutes, Tielemans forces the first real save with a rasping low left-footed angled drive from 15 yards that Mark Travers tips behind at his near post.
The Belgium international swings in the resulting corner and Watkins can’t get enough on his header at the far post, with the ball dropping nicely into Travers’ grateful arms.
Brentford on front foot
Brentford launch a quick counter after a poor giveaway from Ipswich’s Phillips.
It ends in the home side winning a corner and a dangerous delivery falls to Norgaard who awaits in the box. He flicks it goalwards at the front post but an Ipswich player manages to block it from target.
Hosts dominating at the Etihad
It’s all Manchester City at the Etihad at the moment, with the hosts firing relentless crosses and putting continual pressure on the Southampton side.
Feels almost certain that Haaland could get another goal or two in this game...
Brentford growing into game
Ipswich off to a decent start forcing two early corners with the much-maligned Kalvin Phillips showing some nice touches in midfield in the opening exchanges.
But Brentford have grown into the game and a couple of long throws into the Ipswich box are unconvincingly cleared by the visitors who have successfully avoided the Bees’ witching hour of the opening two minutes of the match which has seen them score four times this season.
Cynical challenge from Bournemouth’s Kluivert
There are just 10 minutes on the clock but we’ve just had the first booking of the game with the first challenge! It’s Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert, who somewhat cynically shoves Youri Tielemans to the ground in the centre circle to stop a quick Villa break from Martinez’s throw out.
Nice touch from the Villa fans in the Holte End, singing the name of late striker Gary Shaw, who died recently.
Missed opportunity for Wolves
Big chance for Wolves - Cunha drives down the Brighton right and makes it to the back line where manages to get the ball back and passes across to an unmarked Doyle. He blazes his effort well over the bar.
A frustrating miss for the visitors.
Early chances for Villa
Villa’s Ollie Watkins has the game’s first chance but he gets crowded out from a tight angle after latching onto goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s long kick.
Watkins then teed up strike partner Morgan Rogers for the first shot of the game, but it’s a poor sidefooted effort that sails harmlessly over the bar.
‘Box’ midfield formation from Villa
Villa have started with a “box” midfield with Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana behind John McGinn to the right and Jacob Ramsey to the left. Morgan Rogers has pushed up right alongside Ollie Watkins up front.
Bournemouth striker Enes Unal has a bandaged left hand. The Cherries are wearing their change strip of all teal.
GOAL!
Manchester City 1 Southampton 0 (Haaland, 5)
It could be a long afternoon for the visitors.
Nunes sends a cross into the box and Haaland forces home a clever finish.
His Premier League dry spell has been quickly broken!
Bright start for Ipswich
Brentford, a team who have become known for their very early goals in recent weeks, haven’t continued their trend in today’s fxiture - with the visitors actually starting on the front foot.
The first chance of the game falls to Ipswich as Szmodics gets inside the box and hits a low cross which is blocked.
A bright start from Kieran McKenna’s side.
Late injury blow for Brighton
Lewis Dunk was set to make his 250th Premier League appearance for Brighton this afternoon but has injured his calf in the warm up.
Igor Julio replaces him.
Kick-off!
The four 3pm Premier League matches are underway – Manchester City will aim for a strong win to propel them back into first place in the league, whilst both Aston Villa and Bournemouth will be aiming for victory in their clash with both sides looking to build on strong recent performances.
Elsewhere, Southampton, Wolves, and Ipswich all look to earn their first win of the season in their respective matches.
Follow all the latest goals and updates here.
22 years since Ipswich’s last top-flight victory
Hey Jude blares out on the loudspeakers as the teams line up for the kick-off at the GTech Stadium under grey skies in west London on what is the final official day of British Summertime.
Ipswich last won a game in the Premier League on April 24, 2002 with a Darren Bent’s goal sealing a 1-0 victory at Portman Road over Middlesbrough. What would they give for a repeat of that scoreline tonight over home specialists Brentford?
Oasis were No.1 in the charts with Hindu Times, one of the few decent tracks from their largely forgettable fifth album Heathen Chemistry, when Ipswich fans were last able to celebrate a victory at this level.
Kieran McKenna’s side have only scored six goals all season and the Northern Irishman makes a huge call in leaving out top scorer Rory Delap who has bagged four of those.
Brentford have picked up all of their 10 points this season on home soil and scored 11 times in the process.
European impact on display at Villa Park
Champions League football has made the old lady of Villa Park a grander stage than it was before, adding some more touches of big-match glamour if there weren’t enough already.
A road has been created by crash barriers on the North Stand car park to allow the team coach to snake its way through, giving rise to a gladiatorial-like entrance.
This is watched by a double-deck fan zone, where supporters perch with their beers, waving to the team as the coach weaves its way through.
Inside, the media suite, until recently made up of a working room and press conference room, is now an open-plan place, though it must be said still not a patch on the historic Trinity Road Stand with its church-like windows and flowing staircase.
Tough afternoon ahead for Gary O’Neil’s team
Wet and miserable in Sussex. Wolves fans will hope that they aren’t both come five o’clock at the Amex. Today marks the final one of their nightmare nine opening Premier League fixtures from which they have mustered just a single point. But why not start their renaissance today?
Well, Brighton are in fine form following wins over Tottenham and Newcastle, so it will be anything but straightforward for Gary O’Neil’s team.
One final thing to mention: despite the persistent drizzle here, the sprinklers are currently on. Of course they are...
Haaland’s last league goal over a month ago
Erling Haaland has not scored in his last three Premier League appearances, with his last goal coming in Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on September 22.
The striker will hope today is the day he can end his short Premier League dry spell with a goal or two against Southampton. His remarkable flying backheel goal against Sparta Prague in a midweek Champions League clash will surely have given him renewed confidence.
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Three teams searching for first league win
For the first time in the Premier League’s 126-year history, four clubs have failed to win any of their first eight matches of a league season.
Three of those teams are in action today, with Ipswich, Southampton and Wolves all still searching for a first victory. The fourth team is Crystal Palace who lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Monday and are in action against Tottenham tomorrow.
As Sam Dean explains, each of these four teams have their own reasons for still being winless. Ipswich and Southampton have just been promoted, while Wolves and Palace are struggling to adjust to the loss of key players in the summer transfer window.
But there are wider issues at play. The most obvious is that the gap between the best and worst teams in the division is widening. Much of the Premier League’s brand has been built on the idea that any team can beat any opponents, but that claim is becoming increasingly hard to justify.
Ipswich captain not in matchday squad
Brentford, unbeaten at home this season, make two changes as Thomas Frank recalls defender Mads Roerslev to the side, with Kristoffer Ajer missing out yet again to injury. Kevin Schade drops to the bench as Yoane Wissa returns to the starting line-up.
Kieran McKenna has made six changes to his side following last Saturday’s disappointing home defeat by Everton as he desperately looks for a first win of the season. Record signing Omari Hutchinson has failed a fitness test but top scorer Rory Delap is dropped to the bench.
The biggest surprise is the omission of skipper Sam Morsy, who is left out of the matchday squad.
Young full-back Harry Clarke, a product of the Ipswich academy, makes his Premier League debut at right back. George Hirst, son of former Sheffield Wednesday and England striker, starts in attack.
Bournemouth looking up the table rather than down
In an exclusive interview, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola told Telegraph Sport how he is trying not to get ahead of himself, despite securing an impressive win over his childhood team-mate Mikel Arteta last weekend.
As Dani Gil writes, Iraola’s stock has seldom been higher. Fresh off the back of beating Arsenal, the Bournemouth manager is looking up the table rather than down.
“You enjoy the wins because everything that costs a lot in life should be highly valued, but I try to make sure that their effect lasts as long as a defeat: no more than 48 hours,” he says.
“Emery’s Aston Villa awaits us, then Guardiola’s City, so the routine doesn’t allow you to switch off or prolong too much the euphoria of the victory against Arsenal.
“I didn’t do anything special after the win. I gave the players Sunday off because they asked me to and, as they deserved the rest, I accepted the proposal. But it’s only three more points.”
He then adds: “The most important thing is to stay out of trouble. Trying to get enough points out of the relegation zone so that we don’t live in constant anxiety.
“Last year, we beat Bournemouth’s all-time points record, but we missed the top 10 by one point because we lost the last three games. I would like to reach that top 10.”
Pep Guardiola concerned about City injury crisis
The City manager, aiming for a fifth straight league title, is in the midst of an injury crisis and admitted he does not know when Kevin De Bruyne will return from his lay-off.
In addition to De Bruyne, Rodri and youngster Oscar Bobb are out long term, Kyle Walker is still absent while Jeremy Doku will not play until after the November international break, and Jack Grealish may not.
It all adds up to a shortage of numbers that saw City name just five outfield subs for the midweek game with Sparta Prague and which has left Guardiola concerned.
“Now? Yes,” Guardiola said. “For one game, two games, it is fine. Now we have a tough period.
“After this game we have four days. Three days to Bournemouth, how difficult and demanding it is. Go to Lisbon three days, and after come back three days to Brighton.
“With just 14, 15 players, of course I am. But I said last season, it is not easy for one team to win four titles in a row.
“This is the challenge and every season there are difficulties. We had them in the past with important players injured like this season, unfortunately with injury. It is what it is. A perfect scenario never exists.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola remains unsure as to when De Bruyne might return. “I don’t know,” he said of the Belgian playmaker. “Of course I would prefer to have all the squad with the amount of games. But it is what it is.”
Brentford vs Ipswich Town team news: Wissa returns in boost for hosts
Brentford XI: Flekken, Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Roerslev, Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard, Mbuemo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter.
Ipswich XI: Muric, Clarke, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis, Cajuste, Phillips, Ogbene, Chaplin, Szmodics, Hirst.
Brighton vs Wolves team news: Mitoma returns to line-up
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Georginio, Welbeck, Baleba, Mitoma, Kadioglu, Ayari, Van Hecke, Estupinan, Veltman.
Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo, Bueno, Dawson, Toti, Ait-Nouri, J. Gomes, Lemina, Doyle, Cunha, Strand Larsen.
Manchester City vs Southampton team news: Foden starts for hosts
Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, Nunes, Savinho, Foden, Haaland.
Southampton XI: Ramsdale, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Manning, Downes, Lallana, Dibling, Fernandes, Archer.
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth team news: Four changes for visitors
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Ramsey, Rogers, Watkins.
Bournemouth XI: Travers, Kerkez, Cook, Senesi, Christie, O. Dango, Kluivert, J. Araujo, Semenyo, Enes Unal, Zabarnyi.
Phil Foden: I was struggling with fatigue at start of season
Phil Foden has revealed suffering from fatigue this season and believes “you have to burn out at some point” with the amount of games played.
The Manchester City forward played in 69 games last season for club and country and says the amount of matches has impacted his form in the current campaign, while also suffering from an abdomen problem.
After reaching the European Championship final, Foden returned with tiredness as did City team-mate Rodri who was playing for Spain and has since been sidelined with a serious knee injury.
“Last year was so many games. I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued which is normal,” said Foden. “Rodri came back like that as well, a few players. It’s normal with how many games we play – you have to burn out at some point. I’m making steps in the right direction and trying to get back to my best.”
Foden and Rodri, plus the other players who made the European final, were given extra time to recover which affected their pre-season for City. Foden only started his first game of the season a month ago but has since been picked in four line-ups and scored the opening goal against Sparta Prague in the Champions League this week.
“Even last year I started a little bit slow. I don’t think there’s been a big difference in performances,” he said. “Obviously I’ve not started as many. I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness. A few niggles as well. A few things added together.
“But if you speak to any player they’ve all been through it, the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road if you like, I’m delighted I’m back and enjoying my football again. Every player goes through it.
“I’ve still got steps to go forward. I need a run of games to get to my best. As long as I keep making progress and my fitness is getting back as well. And if I keep scoring as well - that’s the main thing I want to do, the same as last year. Affect games and score for the team. I’m making steps in the right direction.”
City host Southampton at the Etihad this afternoon.
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Premier League preview: Battle between top and bottom of table at the Etihad
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the four matches kicking off at 3pm in the Premier League.
This weekend’s Premier League action kicked off last night at the King Power Stadium, with Leicester falling to a 3-1 defeat against Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest. It has been a great start to the season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team who have lost just once so far and currently sit in fifth place in the league. An early Jamie Vardy goal wasn’t enough for Leicester, with a second-half Chris Wood brace securing the win for the visitors.
Today, Manchester City have the chance to reclaim their top spot with a win over Southampton at the Etihad. However, Pep Guardiola has expressed concerns over the injury issues currently facing his team – with Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Kyle Walker among those sidelined. Meanwhile, Southampton are yet to register a win in the league this season and sit 19th in the table with just one point.
Aston Villa host Bournemouth and will look to continue their impressive start to the season. After a jubilant 2-0 win in the Champions League on Tuesday saw them go top of the European table, spirits and confidence will be high. However, their opponents are also on high spirits after seeing out an impressive victory to Arsenal last weekend and will certainly feel like they could get something from this match.
Down on the south coast, Wolves travel to Brighton where they will aim to register their first Premier League win after a dismal start to the season. With just one point and a goal difference of -13, they sit at the very bottom of the table. The two teams met recently at the Amex in the EFL Cup with the hosts winning 3-2 – manager Fabian Hurzeler will look to replicate this victory today.
And in the capital, Brentford host Ipswich – with the visitors also hoping to secure their first league victory of the season after a difficult start to life in the top flight. Kieran McKenna’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Everton last weekend and the hosts also come off the back of a loss, with Thomas Frank’s side being beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out.
We will have team news for you shortly.
