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A vitória do Vasco sobre o Fluminense por 4 a 2, no Nilton Santos, neste sábado, além de manter o time vivo na luta contra o rebaixamento no Campeonato Brasileiro, encerrou algumas sequências negativas da equipe na competição e na temporada. Principalmente ofensivas.

Desde 2018 que o Vasco não vencia um jogo de Série A marcando quatro gols. A última vez havia sido na goleada por 4 a 1 sobre o América Mineiro, em São Januário, no dia 5 de maio daquele ano. Depois disso, o único jogo em que o Cruz-Maltino marcou quatro vezes foi no 4 a 4 com o Flamengo, no dia 13 de novembro de 2019.

Na temporada, aliás, essa foi apenas a quarta oportunidade em que o time marcou quatro ou mais gols – a primeira no Brasileirão. Antes, somente Resende (5×0), Trem (4×0) e Boavista (4×1) haviam sofrido tanto com o ataque vascaíno. O Vasco, inclusive, não marcava mais de um gol numa partida desde a derrota por 4 a 2 para o São Paulo, no dia 20 de maio. Foram 14 jogos consecutivos marcando nenhum ou apenas um gol.

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Corey Anderson (San Francisco Unicorns), Heinrich Klaasen (Seattle Orcas) and Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings) will continue to lead their teams

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jun-2025 • Updated on 12-Jun-2025

Nicholas Pooran, who retired from all formats of international cricket on Tuesday, has been named captain of MI New York for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC). He replaces Kieron Pollard in the position.He has been with MI New York since being drafted ahead of the inaugural season in 2023, and had a huge role in the team winning the title, scoring 137* in 55 balls in the final, against Seattle Orcas, and finished as the highest run-getter of the season (388), 124 runs ahead of the second-placed Quinton de Kock of Orcas.Pooran has a long association with the MI franchise. He was bought by MI ahead of the 2017 IPL, but didn’t get a game, and was released ahead of the next season, following which he has played for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Sunrisers Hyderabad and now Lucknow Super Giants. While that wasn’t happy for the player, he has been with their team in the ILT20 in the UAE, MI Emirates.Related

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Pooran is not the only new captain at the six-team MLC. Glenn Maxwell, who retired from ODI cricket recently to focus on T20s in the lead-up to the World Cup next year, has been named the captain of Washington Freedom. Maxwell has replaced Steven Smith as captain at Freedom.Corey Anderson, who played most of his top-flight cricket for New Zealand before shifting allegiance to USA, will continue to lead San Francisco Unicorns – making him the only “local” captain of a team at MLC, while Heinrich Klaasen has also been confirmed to continue as the captain at Orcas.The other two teams in the fray are Los Angeles Knight Riders and Texas Super Kings. Jason Holder replaces Sunil Narine as LAKR captain – though Narine will deputise while Holder is on international duty – and Faf du Plessis will stay on as TSK captain.Freedom are the defending MLC champions, having beaten Unicorns in the final last season. The new season will kick off on June 13 with a match pitting Freedom and Unicorns in Oakland. The final is scheduled for July 12.

It was one-way traffic for Emma Hayes, who started a young lineup that was determined to dominate from start to finish

There were some factoids that emerged prior to Wednesday night's match between the U.S. women's national team and New Zealand. With an average of just 17.3 caps, this was the least-experienced USWNT lineup in 25 years. It featured three teenagers – for the second straight game – to combine for an average age of 23.2.

Captain Rose Lavelle had 114 caps, more than all the rest of the starting XI combined. But, despite all of their youthful naivety, this U.S. team did something that its predecessors have done for years and years: overpower an overmatched opponent.

Led by the first international hat-trick from relative newcomer Emma Sears, the U.S. never let up against New Zealand in a 6-0 win, and, realistically, it could have been much worse. This was a game with goals in it from the very start and the USWNT made sure to score them. Sears netted three, Catarina Macario got two and Lavelle, the veteran, got one of her own.

It was a masterclass from top to bottom against a New Zealand team that, in reality, had no way of stopping what was to come. The USWNT now have 20 wins, one loss and one draw in 22 all-time meetings with New Zealand.

Coach Emma Hayes will be proud of the decisive outcome. After two tough games against Portugal, she handed the keys to many of her least experienced players for a different kind of test. The expectation was always going to be to win by a lot, not just win, and that comes with its own sort of pressure.

The U.S. was never fazed by that. In fact, they seemed determined to score more and more even as the game wore on.

"It’s exciting to see the future of this team," Michelle Cooper told TNT. "To be able to have multiple players change our starting lineup and still be able to raise the level and get a win out of that, it really speaks to the future of this team and what Emma has done here."

This, then, was a good step for some of the USWNT's younger players, from debutant Kennedy Wesley right up to the likes of Sears, who headlined the group that has been making their way into the team since the post-Olympic phase last year. This was the most lopsided win in that stretch, one that will see the U.S. end an October that started with a surprising low feeling very high.

"We knew that we had another level to go," Macario told TNT post-game. "When you’re apart for like four months or so, and Portugal played a great game against us and it was a different challenge, one that took us a while to solve. But we bounced back in the second game. And I think it’s about staying together and bringing our qualities – that’s what we did today, and we were really intentional in doing that. It was a good end to the camp."

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from CPKC Stadium.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Emma Sears

  Being in the right place at the right time is, generally, good fortune. There's something special about doing it over and over again and, because of that, there's nothing lucky about what Sears did on Wednesday.

  None of Sears' finishes were particularly spectacular, but the way that she put herself in position to get them certainly was. Against a New Zealand team that was bunkering for their lives, Sears routinely found her way into space, pouncing on opportunity after opportunity to notch three goals.

  It was a masterclass in attacking soccer because, sometimes, doing things the easy way is the best way.

  “Honestly, I want to give a lot of credit to my teammates,” she said. “Especially with that first goal, Michelle served it on a platter for me to tap it in. And yeah, the goals following, it was good to carry on that momentum throughout the game and ultimately get the win.”

  This game was a big statement for the 25-year-old attacker, who, entering the game, had just one goal in her first 10 caps. That came in her debut a year ago. With four now to her name, Sears is pushing for a place in a crowded attack – and, generally, the best way to make that push is to score. Scoring three? That's a strong message.

  "I knew that after my first call-up to the national team, it was an opportunity that I really needed to make the most of," Sears said. "I think a lot of the advice I’ve received since coming back to soccer is to really trust the process and just remember and stay with what I’m good at, and bring that into this environment.

  "As I’ve also heard from some of the more experienced players on this team, in international games, you only get a few opportunities to use in each game, so to show what you’re really great at is super important."

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: New Zealand

  We'll call this a "burn the film" game. That's likely what New Zealand should do after this because, in reality, there isn't much to take from it. It wasn't an individual error or moment that caused their undoing on Wednesday. It was simply that the other team was significantly better.

  Luckily for them, they won't face the USWNT every game, and they'll be thankful that's the case. New Zealand were coming off back-to-back losses against Mexico, but the 2-0 and 1-0 scores were more respectable. There's a reason, though, that they've won just one of their 15 World Cup games over the last five tournaments.

  There is simply a gap in quality here and, realistically, there isn't much to learn from this beyond that. So burn the tape and move on, New Zealand. There will be better days ahead and bigger tests, particularly against local rivals Australia next month before World Cup qualifying begins next year.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Catarina Macario

  This was the version of Macario that USWNT fans have been eager to see. Injuries prevented her from showing that too often over these last few years, but we sure did get a look at the best version of the Chelsea forward on Wednesday.

  There were two goals, of course, as Macario made the most of her moments in front of goal. It was her fourth international brace. She's not a pure striker, though, at least in the traditional sense, which means she'll always offer a bit more in the attack. 

  Her assist on Sears' goal really showcased that fact. When she's on her game, Macario is the type of player who can glue an attack together with her ability to dribble and pass the ball.

  "I love being with this team, I love playing with them and I love playing football," Macario said on TNT. "As a forward, you always get a little frustrated when you don’t score, but I’m just happy to help the team – but I’ll take the goals, of course."

  The USWNT attack was ticking all night, and Sears and Michelle Cooper deserve their share of the credit, too. Don't overlook Macario, though, particularly on a night in which she showed, once again, that she can really deliver at a high level.

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  LOSERS: Those that didn't play

  Those left on the bench must have been salivating. This was the type of game in which everyone and anyone could have gotten a goal or an assist, so spare a thought for those that didn't get a chance. Alyssa Thompson ran and ran against Portugal, but was left out of the squad for this match against New Zealand after playing heavy minutes.

  There's little doubt she would have been among the scorers with the way this game went. Olivia Moultrie will feel that way, too, after netting twice against Portugal on Sunday. Ally Sentnor has proven goal dangerous, too, but was also among those who didn't get in, while even the defenders on the bench might be looking on, going, "What if?"

  This was a game everyone wants to play in, and those who didn't get that chance will be, relatively, disappointed not to get the opportunity.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs made a huge prediction regarding his former club and Liverpool back in 2011, and they are coming back to haunt him now.

Liverpool and Man Utd's spells of success

The Red Devils and the Reds remain the two biggest clubs in English football, enjoying a great rivalry throughout history and having different periods of success.

Liverpool were on top for much of the 1970s and 1980s, winning First Division titles and European Cup glory, but their era of glory ended around 1990, prior to United becoming the dominant force in the Premier League.

For nearly 20 years, they ruled the roost, even though the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal enjoyed strong periods as well, and it felt as though they would go nowhere with Sir Alex Ferguson in charge.

Since the Scot departed, however, United have fallen away dramatically, not winning the league since 2013 and often being a laughing stock, while Liverpool have returned to the top, winning two Premier League titles in the past five years.

Giggs' bold Man Utd and Liverpool prediction in 2011

Speaking back in 2011, Giggs boldly claimed that Manchester United would never collapse and fade away like Liverpool after a period of dominance, which in hindsight, has ended up looking foolish.

It’s fair to say that Giggs’ comments now look foolish, considering United’s period of dominance in the 1990s and 2000s is long gone, having not won a Premier League title in 12 years.

Liverpool are now streets ahead of their rivals, excelling under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, and it feels like a long time before United will be able to compete for the top honours again.

History has shown that both the Reds and Red Devils are far too big not go away forever, though, and there is every chance that United will be back again at some point.

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Liverpool could just do without one of their current players tempting fate like Giggs did all those years ago.

An “exemplary” Manchester United player is expected to leave the club at the end of this season alongside full-back Tyrell Malacia, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Malacia on course to depart Man Utd

The international break is getting in the way of Premier League action currently, but soon, all eyes will be on United’s trip to Liverpool next Sunday afternoon.

In terms of the futures of certain players, Malacia looks set to depart Old Trafford next summer, with journalist Fabrizio Romano saying as much in recent days.

“Tyrell Malacia, despite returning to training with the first team of Manchester United after a crazy window where he had several opportunities, Tyrell Malacia is not going to sign any new contract at Man United, and in any case, will leave the club for sure, 100% in 2026.”

It feels like the right time for Malacia to move on, considering the Dutchman is well down the left-back pecking order, and now another United exit rumour has emerged.

"Exemplary" Man Utd ace also expected to leave

Taking to X, Galetti claimed that Casemiro will leave Manchester United when the current season reaches its conclusion, with his £18m-a-year contract expiring at that point.

This comes after previous reports which went as far as to claim the midfielder actually has regrets over joining Man Utd from Real Madrid in 2022.

Like Malacia, it makes sense for Casemiro to leave the Red Devils in 2026, considering he will be 34 years of age then, and clearly not quite the world-class force he used to be.

That’s despite the midfielder being made Brazil captain by current manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has heaped praise on him in recent times.

“Casemiro is an exemplary player, respected by all. He has the experience and the character to guide this team. For me, he can be the captain, but I don’t know if he agrees with that. He knows the demands of the top level, he knows how to manage difficult moments and motivate his teammates. Being captain is not just about wearing an armband. It’s about setting an example every day, on and off the pitch. Casemiro does it naturally.”

Casemiro is on huge wages, but arguably doesn’t justify them, given his age, and his exit will help pave the way for a younger defensive midfielder to come in, whether it be Carlos Baleba or someone else.

Romano: "Tremendous" £75k-p/w Man Utd ace to "leave" Old Trafford in 2026

Is it the right time for him to depart?

ByHenry Jackson Oct 12, 2025

He has always given his all for United, but it makes sense for all parties for him to enjoy a fresh challenge, with a new deal surely unthinkable for the Red Devils at this point in his career.

Is there a genuine title race in Scotland this year, one not involving Rangers?

On Sunday, Celtic fought back from 2-1 down to beat Motherwell 3-2 at Parkhead, with Daizen Maeda heading home a late winner, getting on the end of Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s cross.

However, Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are yet to lose, are not top of the table, still two points adrift unbeaten Heart of Midlothian, following their last-gasp winner in the Edinburgh derby; the top two meet in a huge clash at Tynecastle on 26 October.

If the Celts are going to secure a fifth successive Premiership title, which would be a 14th crown in 15 seasons, their attacking summer signings will be key – and not just Sebastian Tounekti.

Sebastian Tounekti's start to life at Celtic

In desperate need of attacking reinforcements, Celtic signed Tounekti from Hammarby for a reported fee of £5.2m on deadline day.

Many believed the club had overpaid for the Tunisian international but, so far, he has impressed in hoops.

The winger bagged his first goal for the club against Partick Thistle in the League Cup, starting all three Premiership matches as well as both in the Europa League since arriving.

Thus, Tounekti is currently Rodgers’ first-choice option on the left flank, forcing last season’s top-scorer Daizen Maeda over to the right, with left-back Kieran Tierney labelling him a “joy to play with” following the aforementioned win at Firhill.

Nevertheless, Celtic did actually sign an attacker for free this summer who is estimated to have an even higher transfer value.

Celtic's prolific new attacker

Farcically, at the time the transfer window slammed shut, Celtic were left without a senior centre-forward, with Adam Idah having been sold to Swansea for around £7m, while the club’s fledgling attempt to sign Kasper Dolberg, who had no interest in coming, surprisingly did not transpire.

Thus, left with 24 hours to secure the signature of a free agent before the UEFA squad registration deadline, the club picked up Kelechi Iheanacho, only available to join because Sevilla agreed to terminate his contract, after he scored zero La Liga goals for los Nervionenses.

The table below documents the Nigerian’s recent downturn in form, hence why he has so far exceeded expectations.

25/26

6

3

24/25

26

4

23/24

26

6

22/23

35

8

21/22

43

8

20/21

39

19

19/20

26

10

18/19

35

2

17/18

28

9

16/17

29

7

15/16

35

14

As the table outlines, since first bursting onto the scene at Manchester City a decade ago, Iheanacho has only reached double figures in terms of goals in a single campaign twice, doing so in back-to-back campaigns, featuring his best-ever year, which remains 2020/21 during lockdown.

However, that could be about to change.

The Nigerian converted a stoppage-time match-winning penalty at Kilmarnock on debut, subsequently netting against Crvena zvezda in Belgrade and during the weekend win over Motherwell.

Upon his arrival in Glasgow, Rodgers, who had previously been his manager at Leicester, lauded him as a “phenomenal” talent in the past, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “prolific” goalscorer.

As a result, Transfermarkt estimates that his current market value is around €4.5m (£3.9m), while Tounekti’s current estimated value is at just €4m (£3.4m), albeit is on the up.

Market Movers

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Any Celtic striker, given that the Hoops dominate every domestic match they play, will get plenty of opportunities to score plenty of goals, but the early signs are that snapping up Iheanacho was something of a masterstroke, given that he could prove to be a bargain.

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Sterre Kalis fifty sets foundation for Birmingham side as The Blaze suffer first defeat of campaign

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Jun-2025Warwickshire handed The Blaze their first defeat of the Women’s Vitality Blast campaign, by 25 runs, in a clash of two of the competition’s front-runners at Edgbaston.Warwickshire’s total of 172 for 6 was built upon strong contributions from their top three with Sterre Kalis hitting 54 (41 balls), Meg Austin 39 (30) and Davina Perrin 25 (18). Thereafter runs came less freely as Kathryn Bryce dismissed those three on the way to an excellent 4 for 21.The Blaze replied with a scrappy 147 for 8. Tammy Beaumont hit 44 off 29 but the rest of the powerful batting line-up misfired against the home side’s excellent and varied attack led by the pace of Em Arlott, with 3 for 33 and the spin of Millie Taylor (2 for 23).Warwickshire chose to bat and were given a strong foundation by openers Austin and Perrin who added 59 in 40 balls. Both then fell to the Bryce sisters – stumped by Sarah off Kathryn. In each case it was excellent glovework by the wicketkeeper as Perrin was lured down the pitch and Bryce (S) did well to take a ball that bounced, and then Austin missed an attempted cut and lifted her back foot just momentarily but long enough for Bryce to pounce.Kalis added another polished half-century to the one she lodged for Netherlands against USA in Utrecht eight days ago but the rest came and went fleetingly.Laura Harris tried to slog-sweep from outside off stump and skied Kirstie Gordon to midwicket. Pavely, Warwickshire’s match-winner two days earlier, lifted Grace Ballinger to long-on.Kathryn Bryce returned to have Kalis caught at mid-off and Nat Wraith pouched at extra cover as Warwickshire came in with a decent but by no means daunting total on a good batting pitch.The Blaze soon lost former Warwickshire batter, Marie Kelly, who pulled Issy Wong to deep square. Beaumont, who hit seven fours and a six, and Kathyn Bryce added 49 from 48 balls but then fell in successive overs, caught in the deep off Taylor and Georgia Davis respectively. When Heather Graham chipped Hannah Baker to midwicket, three wickets had fallen for 12 runs in 18 balls and the required rate had climbed above ten per over.As the equation came down to 64 from the last five overs, the Blaze needed a huge over but it never came. Georgia Elwiss sought six over midwicket off England pace bowler Arlott but was well-caught by Perrin just inside the rope. Ella Claridge lifted Taylor straight and Perrin was under that one too as Warwickshire’s diverse and disciplined attack extinguished the Blaze chase.

وجه الكولومبي لويس دياز، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بايرن ميونخ رسالة إلى أشرف حكيمي بعد التدخل العنيف الذي فعله على قدم الظهير المغربي.

واستضاف ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وبايرن ميونخ، في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق بايرن ميونخ فوزًا رائعًا أمام باريس سان جيرمان بثنائية مقابل هدف في المباراة التي جمعتهما أمس، الثلاثاء.

وشهدت اللحظات الأخيرة من عمر الشوط الأول، في الوقت المحتسب بدلًا من الضائع، تعرض النجم المغربي أشرف حكيمي لإصابة خطيرة بعد تدخل عنيف من لاعب بايرن ميونخ، لويس دياز.

وتعتبر تلك الضربة هي الثانية لـ باريس سان جيرمان حيث اضطر عثمان ديمبلي إلى مغادرة الملعب، في الدقيقة 25، بسبب الإصابة.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاعب بايرن ميونخ ساخرًا من إصابة أشرف حكيمي: كنا سعداء

وتدخل لويس دياز بعنف وقوة على ساق أشرف حكيمي، مما جعل الأخير يسقط أرضًا ويبكي بشدة من تأثير الألم الذي يشعر به وغادر الملعب وهو يبكي من قوة الإصابة.

لم يُشهر الحكم البطاقة الحمراء مباشرةً لكن حكم تقنية الفيديو طلب منه العودة للنظر مرة أخرى إلى اللعبة وبالفعل لم يستغرق وقتًا طويلًا وأشهر البطاقة الحمراء للكولومبي.

وكتب دياز، عبر حسابه الرسمي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “انستجرام”: “كانت ليلة مليئة بالمشاعر، كرة القدم تذكرنا دائمًا أنه في 90 دقيقة يمكن أن يحدث كل شيء من الأفضل إلى الأسوأ”.

وأتم: “شعرت بالحزن لعدم إنهاء المباراة مع زملائي لكنني فخور بمجهودهم الرائع، أتمنى لحكيمي عودة سريعة إلى الملاعب”.

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Manchester United had to make some difficult decisions during the summer window and could now be set to part ways with another star on a permanent basis in the near future.

Manchester United seek to build on Premier League momentum

Admittedly, the Red Devils are going to need more consistency to trouble sides near the top of the Premier League table, but a deserved victory over Chelsea has given Ruben Amorim space to breathe.

Now, back-to-back fixtures against Brentford and Sunderland offer an opportunity for the Portuguese boss to generate some much-needed momentum at Old Trafford, especially after he held face-to-face talks about Manchester United’s trajectory with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Bruno Fernandes has been a leading light for the Red Devils, and there is an argument to say his side needs to find a level of self-sufficiency without relying on their awe-inspiring captain every week, though seeing off Enzo Maresca’s outfit has shown they can win when the pressure is on.

Amorim also needs to be applauded for his ruthless approach in the transfer market. Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho were among summer departures, indicating that the man in charge isn’t afraid to wield the axe when fresh ideas are needed across the squad.

Of course, some of their dealings during the window were enforced. Garnacho has experienced a taste of why the grass isn’t always greener. Still the main aim at Manchester United is building a squad capable of challenging for silverware.

Premier League manager admits star is unsettled due to Man Utd approach

The Red Devils are known to be big admirers.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 22, 2025

Financially, that may prove tricky as the club tries to navigate PSR legislation. Sales will be necessary, and another high-profile departure could now be on the cards at Old Trafford.

Romano: Andre Onana's time is up at Old Trafford

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has delivered some telling insight on Andre Onana’s career at Manchester United after he was loaned to Trabzonspor.

Addressing his future, the renowned transfer specialist has confirmed that the Cameroon star now appears to be permanently out of the picture at Old Trafford, and there is no way back after Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp.

He stated: “My understanding is that both sides – Man Utd and Andre Onana himself – see this Man Utd chapter as almost closed. So it’s very difficult to imagine Onana staying at Man Utd beyond (next summer).

“Man Utd believe that Senne Lammens is going to be the goalkeeper for present and future, so unless something extraordinary happens, (Onana’s agreement) is a straight loan, and he might go somewhere else in the future, but it’s over between Man Utd and Onana, probably.”

Enjoying a solid start to life at Trabzonspor, the 29-year-old has featured against Fenerbahce and Gaziantep, even claiming an assist against the latter in a 1-1 draw.

Retaining a save percentage of 80% in the Super Lig, per Fotmob, it remains to be seen whether the Turkish outfit will look to deal him in permanently or whether alternative suitors will look to land the £120,000 per week earner.

Enzo Maresca has told his Chelsea players that they need to improve when they play five-man defences. The Blues came undone against Sunderland last weekend as the Black Cats secured a late 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge as Regis Le Bris opted to change his setup for the game in west London. And the Italian delivered a humorous anecdote about Ange Postecoglou's decision to use a five-man defence.

Getty Images SportPostecoglou's final throw of the dice revealed

Postecoglou lasted just 39 days as Nottingham Forest head coach having been relieved of his duties at the City Ground earlier this month. The Australian was brought in as Nuno's replacement during the September international break but failed to win any of the eight matches he managed.

Postecoglou's final game as Forest boss was a 3-0 loss at to Chelsea, with the former Tottenham man relieved of his duties just minutes after the defeat to the Blues. Second half goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James compounded a miserable afternoon for the Tricky Trees and ended the 60-year-old's brief stint back in the Premier League.

The former Forest head coach opted for a change in system in what proved to be his last match at the City Ground as a final throw of the dice, and Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was caught off guard by Postecoglou's decision having previously joked with the Greece-born manager about teams using a back five against the Club World Cup winners.

Advertisement'This is tough for players'

Maresca stated that a chance meeting with Postecoglou prior to his Forest appointment highlighted the issue that Chelsea face this season. "Before Ange took over at Nottingham Forest, we spoke at the LMA awards in London," the Italian began.

"I said: 'Ange, I've never seen your team use a back five – except for the last 10 minutes of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

"He laughed and said: 'I hate using a back five, but, as it was the last 10 minutes and we needed to win the trophy, we did.' Then we played Forest – it was a back five, and I had prepared for a back four!

"I again told the team that everything goes straight in the bin because it was a back five. This is tough for players."

AFP 'Throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin'

"When we have difficulties, we like to analyse," Maresca said when asked why teams are playing five-man defences against Chelsea this season. "I'm telling the players every day that, now, teams – probably because of what we achieved last season – have changed their approach against us.

"Sunderland played nine league games and they never used a back five from the start. Never. I watched them all, so we prepared for Sunderland with a back four.

"In the dressing room before the match, I told the players: 'Guys, throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin.' It's so difficult to change plan in just 10 minutes."

Sunderland's plan worked perfectly as they secured a 2-1 win in the capital to maintain their flying start to the Premier League season. Alejandro Garnacho fired Chelsea ahead early on before Wilson Isidor responded midway through the second half. Summer signing Chemsdine Talbi then struck in second half injury time as the Black Cats claimed a huge win.

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Chelsea responded to Sunderland setback

Chelsea bounced back from last week's loss to Sunderland with victory over Wolves to book their place in the fifth round of the EFL Cup in midweek. However, the Blues made hard work of their game at Molineux, despite going in at the break three goals to the good as Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao put Chelsea into a commanding position.

Tolu Arokodare pulled one back for Wolves shortly after the break before David Moller Wolfe halved the deficit in the 73rd minute. Jamie Gittens settled Chelsea nerves with a thundering effort in the 89th minute after Maresca's side had been reduced to 10 men following Liam Delap's careless dismissal. Wolfe struck again in the 91st minute to set up a tense finish but Chelsea held out to progress to the next round of the competition.

Chelsea have a London derby on Saturday evening as they take on rivals Tottenham and face a third successive away match next week when they face Qarabag in the Champions League. The Blues then return to Stamford Bridge for the welcome of Wolves before the final international break of the year.