Manchester City have moved level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the Manchester derby as City overcame the early sending-off of Phil Foden to claim all three points.

City now have 12 points from four matches, the same as Arsenal. However, the Gunners remain top because of their better goal difference after beating Sunderland 2-0 on Saturday.

Haaland Decides Dramatic Derby

City’s afternoon became difficult early when Foden was shown a straight red card after an incident involving Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour, Pep Guardiola’s side remained organised and continued to threaten.

Haaland eventually broke the deadlock after connecting with a Josko Gvardiol cross.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after showing that Patrick Dorgu’s position had kept Haaland onside.

United pushed hard for an equaliser, but City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several important saves to help his team hold on.

The goal was also Haaland’s ninth in Manchester derby matches.

Arsenal Stay Top

Arsenal maintained their perfect start with a 2-0 win away to Sunderland.

Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka converted a late penalty to seal another victory for the Gunners.

Sunderland finished the game with 10 men after Reinildo was sent off for a second yellow card.

Brighton Run Riot

Brighton produced one of the biggest results of the weekend, beating Coventry City 5-0.

Charalambos Kostoulas, Malick Yalcouyé, Pascal Groß, Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari were all on target as Brighton moved to seven points.

Coventry’s difficult afternoon became worse when Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.

The defeat leaves Coventry without a point from their opening four matches.

Chelsea Held, Liverpool Frustrated

Chelsea dropped more points at home after newly promoted Hull City fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Mohamed Belloumi scored twice for Hull, while João Pedro rescued a point for Chelsea.

Hull remain unbeaten and now have eight points.

Liverpool also failed to win, playing out a goalless draw with Fulham at Anfield.

The result leaves Liverpool on six points from four matches, while Fulham picked up their first point of the season.

Forest Finally Win

Nottingham Forest recorded their first league victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Igor Jesus scored the winning goal late in the match, leaving Villa still searching for their first victory after four games.

Ipswich Shock Palace

Crystal Palace suffered a dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Ipswich Town after playing much of the match with 10 men.

Palace defender Axel Disasi was sent off in the 34th minute.

Despite goals from Anan Khalaili and Jørgen Strand Larsen, Palace could not hold on as Ipswich scored the winner through Zian Flemming in the 90th minute.

Four Red Cards in One Weekend

Matchday 4 also produced plenty of drama with four red cards.

• Phil Foden — Manchester City
• Axel Disasi — Crystal Palace
• Reinildo — Sunderland
• Taiwo Awoniyi — Coventry City

The dismissals played important roles in several matches and added to an eventful weekend of Premier League football.

Premier League After Four Matches

Arsenal and Manchester City lead the way with 12 points each, with Arsenal ahead on goal difference.

Hull City are third with eight points, while Brighton and Chelsea have seven.

Brentford, Liverpool and Everton are on six points.

At the bottom, Coventry are still without a point, while several clubs, including Aston Villa and Manchester United, have made difficult starts.

For United, the derby defeat leaves them on just four points from four matches.

The season is still young, but Arsenal and Manchester City are already showing signs of pulling away from the pack.

India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets (ANI Photo)

Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking batting display as India began their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.Chasing 157, India raced to 157/3 in just 13.4 overs, with Abhishek smashing 82 off only 32 balls to take the game away from Afghanistan. His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes, while Ishan Kishan provided valuable support with a composed 42.

Afghanistan stumble before Omarzai-Nabi rescue act

After being asked to bat, Afghanistan endured a dramatic collapse at the top. India’s pace attack struck early, with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and the supporting bowlers putting the visitors under pressure. Afghanistan slipped to 43/5, leaving their innings in serious danger of folding for a modest total.However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi launched a counterattack to revive Afghanistan’s innings. The pair added 83 runs, taking the visitors past 150 and giving their bowlers something to defend.Omarzai finished unbeaten on 64 off 44 balls, while Nabi contributed 33 as Afghanistan eventually posted 156/8.India’s bowlers had Afghanistan in trouble for much of the innings. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the attack, finishing with 3/19, while Bumrah also made an impact on his return to the T20I side. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket apiece. The disciplined bowling effort meant India needed only 157 to take the lead in the series.

Abhishek Sharma turns chase into a one-sided affair

India’s chase suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for 10, but Afghanistan’s hopes of defending the total disappeared almost immediately. Abhishek Sharma launched a spectacular counterattack, reaching his half-century in just 22 balls.The left-hander continued to take on the Afghanistan attack, eventually smashing 82 from 32 deliveries at a strike rate of 256. His seven sixes and seven fours turned what could have been a tricky chase into a procession.While Abhishek supplied the fireworks, Ishan Kishan played the ideal supporting role. Kishan scored 42 off 33 balls, helping India build a commanding partnership and maintain a huge asking-rate advantage. Abhishek eventually fell short of a century, but by then India were already within touching distance of victory.Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma completed the chase, with India reaching 157/3 in only 13.4 overs.

India take 1-0 lead

India’s seven-wicket victory came with 38 balls to spare, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played in Delhi on September 15, before the series concludes on September 17.Brief Scores: Afghanistan: 156/8 (Azmatullah Omarzai 64*, Mohammed Nabi 33, Arshdeep Singh 3/19) beat India: 157/3 in 13.4 overs (Abhishek Sharma 82, Ishan Kishan 42, Mohammad Nabi 2/28).

The strategic decision to campaign colts Warwoven and Paradoxium separately has yielded outstanding results for trainer Bjorn Baker, with both horses achieving decisive victories in their respective races, delivering a significant two-state stakes race double.

While Paradoxium was showcasing sustained speed to capture the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, a couple of hours later, Warwoven demonstrated remarkable tenacity to overcome his rivals in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill, thereby strengthening his claims for the upcoming Golden Rose.

Following a wide draw in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) where he finished fifth to the impressive Guest House, Warwoven benefited from a superior barrier on Saturday. Jockey Rachel King settled him prominently, and the three-year-old colt proved tenacious, refusing to yield once he gained the advantage.

“He’s such a good colt. He’s come back bigger and stronger,” stated Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton. “Bjorn gave him a really good base into that first-up run, but just the tricky gate, he gave him some time, let him find his feet early on and he really let go late. I said to him yesterday, ‘do you think we put him forward today?’ And he said, ‘yep, put him forward. He’s ready.’ It worked out well. Great ride Rach, and he’s a quality colt.”

Warwoven’s odds for the Golden Rose (1400m) subsequently plummeted from $11 to $6, with Hilton confirming the Group 1 feature as a primary objective.

A potential clash with Guest House, who previously defeated Warwoven in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), looms. Hilton acknowledges the challenge posed by the favourite but stresses the pivotal role the barrier draw will play.

“It’s hard after seeing what he did a couple of weeks ago,” Hilton admitted regarding Guest House. “I think it will come down to gates. One thing we know about our horse is he’s bombproof. He can go forward, he can take a sit. He’s got a few things in his armour he can use. He’ll give him a good run for his money, and it’ll be a good race in a couple of weeks.”

In a determined performance, Warwoven ($8) dug deep in the final stages to hold off the previously unbeaten St Gotthard ($2.60 fav) by a neck. Under Focus ($6) secured third place, a further 1-1/4 lengths adrift, after a tardy start.

Rachel King highlighted the colt’s versatility as a key asset and anticipates further development following his Saturday effort.

“He leaves you a bit speechless. His acceleration today was unbelievable,” King commented. “He just shows his versatility. First-up we knew it wasn’t grand final day, and he was always going to improve with the run. Today, he was straight on the ‘bunny’, relaxed beautifully. He was so mature for a young, relatively inexperienced colt.”

Paradoxium is set to contest shorter sprints, with a likely return to Sydney for the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) on October 10, followed by a campaign in Melbourne for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

Betting markets are already buzzing for the Golden Rose; explore the top online bookmakers for the most competitive racing betting markets.

As the fans disappeared from Old Trafford, so did plenty of optimism for the upcoming season. With just four points from the opening four games, it’s beginning to look like the same old story once again for Manchester United.

The nature of a derby game means that sometimes a team can’t learn many lessons, whatever the result. Unfortunately for Michael Carrick, that was not the case today as his side delivered a dismal performance to lose 1-0 to 10-man Manchester City.

United were on the end of a controversial VAR decision as Erling Haaland gave his side a memorable win at Old Trafford, but while the refereeing will dominate the headlines in the immediate aftermath, it was a poor outing from the hosts.

Much has been made of the defensive frailties in Michael Carrick’s side, and that was evident again as Haaland snuck in to steer his side into the lead on the hour mark. It was a poor goal to concede, but it threatens to mask the other glaring issue in this United side – an incoherent and under-performing attack.

For all the talk of leaking goals far too easily, it is also true that United struggle to create chances. They are far too reliant on counter-attacking, often looking out of ideas when asked to control possession and pile pressure on teams. For all the encouraging play in midfield, there is a lack of invention and cutting edge in attack, especially if Bruno Fernandes has an off day.

It’a been a theme of the season even after just four games. Parts of the win over Ipswich were encouraging, though even then the quality of the opposition has to be considered, with a penalty and a lucky deflection helping to turn the tide of the game. There were no goals against the back five at Hull, while Bryan Mbeumo took matters into his own hands for the opener against Everton.

Barring Marcus Rashford, this is not an attack that looks to take on a man and beat him. Even when it’s worked into crossing positions there is rarely anyone to aim at, with a lack of a striker telling this afternoon before Benjamin Sesko came on. Matheus Cunha has offered little so far this term, and the false nine experiment is verging on bewildering now that Sesko is seemingly fully fit. Even set-pieces, so often a reliable weapon last season, rarely produce any real threat.

United might have thought they were blessed as Phil Foden was sent off in the first half after lashing out at Bruno Fernandes, but it felt at times like the one-man advantage worked against them. City might have offered counter-attacking opportunities if both teams had had 11 men – instead, the advantage only served to expose more shortcomings.

The sending off left City needing to climb a mountain of sorts, though United’s defensive frailties showed once again, even with a one-man advantage. Patrick Dorgu’s poor header kicked off the move, with City working it wide before Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross arrived at the feet of Haaland, who fired in at the back post.

United toiled in attack as they tried to find an equaliser, with their attacking play frenetic and uninspired.

The inspiration can often be provided by a moment of magic from Fernandes, or individuals such as Mbeumo’s last week. It was almost the case again as Marcus Rashford hit the post from a free-kick and Kobbie Mainoo’s long-range effort also rattled the woodwork, but there was no sustained pressure from the hosts.

United too often look toothless in attack without moments of individual quality carrying them through, and that was the case again as City eased to their first win at Old Trafford in three years.

The visitors can thank Gianluigi Donnarumma for a superb stop to deny Mbeumo in the 95th minute, but it would have been a goal that the hosts did not deserve. After 95 minutes of abject attacking, their first clear-cut chance of the game came seconds before the final whistle.

In the end, a contentious refereeing decision and a great City performance will steal the headlines, but they won’t be enough for United to hide behind this time; it won’t take many more displays like that before questions start to be asked of Michael Carrick.

Sheza Alibi has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s premier racehorses with a commanding performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes held at Flemington.

The mare, trained by the formidable partnership of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, etched her name in the record books as the first female galloper to win the Makybe Diva since the prestigious event attained Group 1 status back in 2013.

Sent to the post as the commanding $1.60 favourite, with Luke Nolen expertly guiding her, Sheza Alibi delivered a dominant display, pulling away to win by a decisive 2-¾ lengths. Autumn Boy ($20) claimed the runner-up position, while Another Wil ($101) finished a further neck back in third place.

The race dynamics unfolded perfectly for Sheza Alibi. Her swift departure from the barriers on Saturday allowed Nolen to position the mare advantageously, traveling just off the leaders.

Coleman highlighted that Sheza Alibi can occasionally be slow to react at the start, a trait that was evident when she was outstanding in the Doncaster Mile at Randwick in April, and also in her first-up run when she drew an inside barrier and finished second to Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes at Randwick.

“She began better today, she put herself there, travelled sweetly,” Coleman remarked. “It was a beautiful ride by from Luke and he had her in that position where she was going to be able to get mobile when he needed to.”

“She loves defying history, this girl, and I think she’s going to continue to do it as her career progresses. She looked like she did that quite easily today, when you look at the horses that she was up against. She is very, very special and it means so much to our stable.”

Coleman further stated that Sheza Alibi has shown considerable physical improvement compared to the mare that secured two Group 1 victories in the previous season.

“She’s probably come back more of a finished product this time around. She’s always been a lovely horse to look at, but she has developed, is bigger and stronger and hopefully we continue to see that.”

With the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington on the horizon this year, Coleman was queried on whether that major race was being considered for Sheza Alibi.

However, with the substantial $10 million prize pool on offer in The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick a week later, Coleman indicated that this contest remains a highly appealing prospect.

“I would say we’re still geared towards the Golden Eagle but never make decisions on race day,” she commented.

Nolen, who famously partnered the legendary Black Caviar for the majority of her 25 undefeated victories and has been associated with numerous Moody-trained Group 1 champions, confessed that he is uncertain of Sheza Alibi’s ultimate potential.

“We don’t know her ceiling yet, so that’s the exciting part of it. Outwardly she doesn’t stand out, even as a trackworker she doesn’t stand out, but she’s all racehorse.”

The Makybe Diva Stakes is a highlight of the Australian racing calendar, and you can find the latest betting sites for all the action.

David Benavidez was ringside to witness Jai Opetaia’s latest knockout win as a fight between the pair of cruiserweight world champions becomes more appealing.

Opetaia became the first man to stop Noel Mikaelian this weekend in Las Vegas, earning a stoppage in the ninth round after grinding the Armenian down.

Benavidez beat Gilberto Ramirez back in May to win the WBA and WBO belts in his cruiserweight debut, joining Opetaia as the best in the division. The match-up has gathered steam ever since, and the Mexican-American star stepped into the ring post fight at the T-Mobile Arena to challenge Opetaia.

The pair verbally agreed to a fight on Cinco De Mayo weekend next year, with Benavidez likely to return in December of this year to prepare.

Benavidez: “Let’s do it right here next year for Cinco De Mayo.”

Opetaia: “Done. It’s done”

Benavidez: “Respect, he’s a strong fighter but there can only be one monster. He likes war and I’m the exact same way so it will be one hell of a fight.”

Speaking on Nina Drama’s Kick stream minutes prior, Benavidez assessed the action more candidly and was unimpressed by Opetaia’s showing.

“I’m not impressed at all. I thought Jai Opetaia was better. He’s [not] the boogeyman. He’s a great fighter, but he’s not on my level.”

Despite Mikaelian entering the ring as WBC champion, legal issues and mandatory orders mean that it appears Opetaia has not walked out as the new beltholder. He holds the Ring Magazine and Zuffa Boxing belts, having previously been stripped of his IBF belt due to issues with his first fight under the Zuffa banner.

India beat Sri Lanka to clinch Asia Cup title (Image: BCCI)

India Women are back on top of Asia. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side produced a commanding all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka Women by 72 runs in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, reclaiming the continental crown and avenging their defeat in the 2024 final.After opting to bat first, India posted an imposing 183/5 in 20 overs, powered by a sensational opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The Indian bowlers then completed the job in emphatic fashion, bowling Sri Lanka out for 111 to seal a comprehensive victory.The victory gives India a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title and underlines their dominance in the continental tournament.

Shafali, Smriti set up India’s commanding total

India’s innings was built around a devastating opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.Shafali smashed 68 off just 39 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes, while Mandhana contributed a fluent 59 off 39 deliveries. Together, they added 129 runs for the opening wicket, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure from the outset.Their aggressive batting gave India the perfect platform before Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back with wickets in the middle overs. Gunalan Kamalini, however, provided the finishing touch with a quick-fire 15 not out from just five balls, including a huge six on the final delivery, taking India to 183/5.

Sri Lanka keep themselves alive before collapse

Sri Lanka’s chase did not begin smoothly as they lost an early wicket, but Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne briefly revived their hopes with a fighting 58-run partnership. Athapaththu looked to take the attack to the Indian bowlers, while Gunaratne provided valuable support. However, with the required run rate climbing rapidly, both batters were forced to take greater risks.The breakthrough came at a crucial stage as Athapaththu was dismissed for 36 before Gunaratne followed for 20 in the same over. Their twin dismissals effectively broke Sri Lanka’s resistance and swung the final decisively India’s way.

India’s spin attack dismantles Sri Lanka

Once the partnership was broken, Sri Lanka’s middle order simply could not withstand India’s relentless bowling attack. The visitors slipped from 63/3 to 103/7 as wickets tumbled in quick succession. India kept attacking the stumps and denied Sri Lanka any opportunity to rebuild the innings.Shree Charani was the star with the ball, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/20 from her four overs. Her spell proved decisive as India continued to squeeze the Sri Lankan batters.Deepti Sharma also played a key role in the bowling effort, adding two crucial wickets to her already impressive tournament tally. She entered the final among the leading wicket-takers of the competition, with 11 wickets in four matches.Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111 on the final ball of their innings, falling 72 runs short of India’s imposing target.