Manchester United identified Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde as an option this summer but appear to have now made a decision
Manchester United are unlikely to pursue a move for Alejandro Balde after talks with Barcelona revealed a significant gap in valuation, it has been claimed. The Spaniard had been identified by United as a potential signing as they look to strengthen their defence and add competition for Luke Shaw.
One of the club’s priorities has been to sign a left‑back before Tuesday’s (September 1) transfer deadline. Shaw started every Premier League game last season – becoming just the fifth United player to do so but cannot realistically manage two matches per week, especially with the Champions League returning.
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Balde had been considered in the final weeks of the window, particularly after Newcastle United stood firm on their stance over Lewis Hall, who is viewed internally as United’s ideal left‑back target. Barcelona’s addition of Joao Cancelo and the emergence of Xavi Espart had encouraged United to explore a deal for Balde.
While Barcelona are not actively pushing Balde out, they are willing to listen to offers. According to a new update from Fabrizio Romano, further discussions took place on Sunday involving both clubs and Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who outlined the conditions required for a transfer.
As it stands, the two sides remain far apart. United are thought to view the deal as ‘too expensive’ and prefer a loan with an option to buy, while Barcelona’s stance is a ‘permanent transfer or nothing’.
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AC Milan are also said to have enquired about the possibility of signing Balde but ran into the same financial obstacle. Balde, who is under contract until 2028, is valued at around €40m (£34m).
Although a move for the 22‑year‑old now appears unlikely, Romano has suggested United still expect to bring in another left‑back before the 11pm deadline.
When asked if United will make another signing, United head coach Michael Carrick said after his side’s 5‑2 win over Ipswich Town: “It’s always difficult to say, to be honest, when there’s so little time left.
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“I think the situation that we’re in, I think the business that we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with. I think we’re a better group, a better squad, potentially a better team.
“Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. So, in that respect, we’re quite happy. We’re always open to if there’s something else to be able to add, so I wouldn’t shut that down, but as it stands, we’ll have to wait and see.”
The New York Yankees recorded a blowout win over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, beating their arch-rivals 16-1. Along with the players, it seems the Red Sox radio announcers also got extremely frustrated with the events on the field.
In the eighth inning, Jazz Chisholm Jr. stole second and third base while Austin Wells was batting, even though the Bronx Bombers were up by six already.
Frustrated by the late stolen bases, which violated baseball’s ‘unwritten rules,’ WEEI play-by-play announcer Will Flemming labeled Chisholm “bush-league” and suggested Red Sox pitcher Jovani Morán should “drill” or throw at Wells in retaliation.
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Flemming drew intense criticism for his controversial comments in the aftermath of the game. He posted to X on Monday, apologizing for his statements.
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“Since I have been receiving nonstop calls and threats, I felt like it was important to hop back on here and say: My comments during yesterday’s broadcast crossed a line. I’m emotional and a fan at heart and that bled into the broadcast.”
“I meant no disrespect to the Yankees players or organization. I could and should have used different words. These rivalry games get me fired up; I apologize for letting the emotion of the moment get the best of me,” Flemming wrote.
Since I have been receiving nonstop calls and threats, I felt like it was important to hop back on here and say: My comments during yesterday’s broadcast crossed a line. I’m emotional and a fan at heart and that bled into the broadcast.
Reacting, fans seemed to have varying opinions. Some continued to take shots at Will Flemming, claiming he should be held accountable for his controversial comments.
“You should be fired. Violence is unacceptable. Grow up,” a fan wrote.
You should be fired. Violence is unacceptable. Grow up
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“You deserve to lose your job bro not even the Yankees announcers talk trash not even a bit to the Red Sox,” another fan commented.
You deserve to lose your job bro not even the Yankees announcers talk trash not even a bit to the Red Sox
“There is no need for you to apologize. It’s baseball,” another fan posted.
Yankees starting pitcher makes feelings clear about Red Sox announcer’s apology
Soon after Will Flemming posted his apology to X, popular content page “Talkin’ Yanks” posted about it to Instagram.
Along with hundreds of fans, Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler also made his feelings clear on the matter, summing his thoughts up with a single emoji.
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“🤡,” Cam Schlittler commented.
Screenshot of Cam Schlittler’s comment on Instagram (Image via Instagram.com/@talkinyanks)
Having won the series against the Red Sox over the weekend, the Yankees take on the LA Angels in Anaheim for their next challenge.
Aug 31, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Anthony Molina (45) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Rafael Devers hit his 30th home run, Osleivis Basabe ignited a four-run sixth inning with a solo shot of his own and the San Francisco Giants made the most of a one-day visit to Georgia with a 7-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night in the makeup game for a rainout.
Former Braves right-hander Anthony Molina (2-0) won for the second time in as many appearances for the Giants as he limited his old mates to three runs in five innings to help end Atlanta’s seven-game winning streak.
Coming off a homestand in which the Giants won four of seven, Devers got a seven-day, three-city trip rolling in a positive direction when he launched Bryce Elder’s eighth pitch for a one-out homer in the first.
The bomb to right field gave Devers 30 homers for the fifth time since 2019. He totaled 35 last season while splitting time between the Giants and the Boston Red Sox.
Atlanta countered with single runs in the first, second and fifth innings off Molina. The Braves took a 3-2 lead in the fifth on an RBI single by Drake Baldwin.
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After Basabe drew the Giants even with a leadoff homer in the sixth, Turner Hill put the visitors in front for good with a pinch-hit, two-run double. Hill scored the inning’s fourth run on a two-out single by Bryce Eldridge.
Elder (8-8) was pulled one out into the uprising. He was charged with five runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out three.
Molina (2-0) struck out six, allowed six hits and didn’t walk anyone in his first start since being traded by the Braves to San Francisco for Tyler Mahle on Aug. 2. Giants relievers Jason Foley, Reiver Sanmartin and Dylan Smith brought the team home with four innings of three-hit shutout relief.
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Jonah Cox gave the bullpen an extra run of comfort with a solo home run, his fourth, in the top of the ninth.
Cox, Eldridge, Andrew Knizner and Nate Furman had two hits apiece for the Giants, who won all three games they played in Atlanta this season. San Francisco took the season series 5-1.
Michael Harris II hit his 23rd homer of the season for the Braves to highlight a two-hit night. Baldwin and Austin Riley also had a pair of hits apiece for Atlanta, which completed a homestand in which it had gone 3-0 against both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies.
The Dallas Cowboys have made a stunning roster move on the day after final roster cuts.
On Monday, the NFC East franchise was reported to be releasing Joe Milton. The third-year quarterback had come to Arlington last season via trade from the New England Patriots, who had drafted him in the sixth round out of Tennessee via Michigan in 2024.
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Source: Cowboys are releasing QB Joe Milton.
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There was much surprise at the news from fans:
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@AdamSchefter THEY RELEASED THEIR BEST QB
@AdamSchefter He should go to Tampa, baker definitely leaving after this year
@AdamSchefter WHY THE (EXPLETIVE) WOULD WE DO THAT??? CAN SOMEBODY MAKE THIS MAKE SENSE
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@AdamSchefter … did they not watch their own games?
@AdamSchefter No way this is real! They could have traded him for cash and picks! This account is hacked!
@AdamSchefter Dang releasing the best QB on the roster is crazy
Across three preseason games, Milton completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns against no interceptions. He also rushed 12 times for an additional 14 yards and one score.
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Following Saturday’s finale win at the Arizona Cardinals, he said:
“There’s a lot more to our offense that we’re able to do, change as the quarterback position. You’re able to do all that, you’re able to make sure that your points are right, make sure the way you’re reading the play is correct. Just being able to go through that process of a whole year being in this offense to now, it’s great.”
The move frees up a roster spot for running back Emari Demercado, whom the Cowboys claimed off waivers the same day after his release from the Cardinals. It also means that Sam Howell will enter the season as the backup behind Dak Prescott.
4 ideal landing spots for Joe Milton after Cowboys release QB
Immediately reacting to the news of Joe Milton’s departure from the Cowboys, A to Z Sports’ Craig Smith gave four possible landing spots for him.
The first is the Miami Dolphins, who are coming off replacing Quinn Ewers with Kyle McCord via trades. Those moves have arguably depleted the depth behind new starter Malik Willis, and Milton provides both experience and athleticism in the running game.
Next on the list is the Atlanta Falcons. Presumed starter Tua Tagovailoa had a tumultuous preseason marred by fumbling issues, while Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a back injury.
The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns also received mentions. In East Rutherford, rookie Cade Klubnik is the only person who can threaten Geno Smith’s job security, while the highly dup of unpopular Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders could be early candidates to be dumped should they perform poorly.
Manchester City have been linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as they aim to bolster the centre of the park
12:33, 31 Aug 2026Updated 15:04, 31 Aug 2026
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Alexis Mac Allister’s father has confirmed the Liverpool midfielder does not want to leave Anfield this summer, despite reports linking him with Manchester City.
City are pushing to strengthen their midfield before the transfer deadline. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is City’s first choice and the Blues are set for crunch talks with the London club. It is understood City would need to pay at least £120m to sign Fernandez, but while Chelsea did set a deadline earlier this month for bids to be submitted, the Blues have always been confident a deal is possible.
Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their victories against Luton Town and Brighton last week, giving the impression that a deal could be imminent.
Mac Allister has been mentioned as a possible alternative should a deal for Fernandez not be agreed, but his father has now played down the possibility of him leaving Liverpool this summer.
“Alexis is not thinking about leaving Liverpool. He wants to stay at the club,” he told WinWin. “Liverpool have not started talks to renew Alexis’ contract, but the player’s desire is to continue at the club.”
Mac Allister is contracted to the Merseyside club until 2028. The Argentina international was also on the radar of Real Madrid at the start of the transfer window, but it is understood no bid was received from the La Liga giants.
City could still do business with Liverpool this summer. Forward Cody Gakpo is of interest as they look to bolster their attack after the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush.
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Palmeiras winger Allan Elias is on the verge of joining City. However, it is understood another forward is being sought to replace Marmoush.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is on City’s radar, but Tottenham have reportedly agreed to sign the forward with Richarlison going in the opposite direction in a separate deal.
The transfer window closes on Tuesday, September 1, at 11pm.
There are plenty of challenges that come with opening a season nearly 8,000 miles from home. The San Francisco 49ers, set to fly Wednesday to Melbourne, Australia, ahead of their Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams, are learning them firsthand.
The dizzying list of complications starts with a simple one: “Do you have a passport?”
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That’s a question general manager John Lynch said he recently asked a potential practice squad player, as his team continues to finalize the group it will bring on a 16-hour flight this week for the Sept. 10 opener.
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“There’s a lot of little logistics like that that are complicated by this, but we’re embracing it,” Lynch said ahead of Monday afternoon’s practice. “We’re having a plan for everything, and we’re getting it done.”
A day after slicing its roster to 53, San Francisco made a flurry of additional moves. It placed defensive back Nate Hobbs and linebacker Nick Martin on injured reserve, re-signed punter Corliss Waitman and safety Ashtyn Davis one day after releasing them and added 13 of the allotted 17 players to its practice squad. Those were all calls that needed to be made faster than normal because of the impending trip.
Another Australia-specific challenge the 49ers are navigating? An accelerated timeline on injury decisions. There are a number of players, highlighted by tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, who are recovering from major injuries and could play in San Francisco’s first regular-season contest. Under normal circumstances, the decision of which injured players will travel could be made close to – or even on – game day. But with the 49ers flying eight days before they take the field at Melbourne Cricket Ground, the decision-making process is far from simple.
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Bosa, who tore his right ACL last season and is dealing with lingering tendinitis, wasn’t seen during the portion of practice Monday open to the media. He hasn’t practiced since Aug. 3. Kittle participated in position drills and ran routes at full speed; he also took part in portions of practice last week.
The good news for San Francisco is that it gets three consecutive practice days ahead of its Wednesday flight. Coach Kyle Shanahan said he hopes the decision on Kittle will be clear after that time, but it’s also possible that it won’t be.
“I don’t think you have to do anything. If we didn’t think he was going to play, though, and it was looking that way, I think it’d be much nicer to make that decision before we left instead of having him go through all that,” Shanahan said. “It’s also a long time that we’re out there, so to be away from the team for a week – not for camaraderie or anything – but just the training staff and things like that, and being away from meetings is also a big deal, too. But hopefully these three days that we have, these three practices will go the right way and it’ll make it an easy decision to get him on the plane.”
The return of a great: Lynch never thought he’d have to watch defensive tackle Aaron Donald terrorize his team again after he retired in 2024. But with the future Hall of Famer re-signing with the Rams on Sunday on a one-year deal, the 49ers GM might witness it in less than two weeks.
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“I mean the guy’s different, right? He’s a he’s an exceptional player, one of the greats,” Lynch said. “I know that guy trains like a bad man.”
It’s currently unclear if Donald will play Week 1. The Rams don’t fly to Melbourne until much closer to game day, so they have extra time to ramp him up and make a final decision. Even if Donald doesn’t play, the two teams will see each other again Dec. 13. Donald is set to pair up with another future Hall of Famer in defensive end Myles Garrett.
Earlier in the offseason, after Los Angeles traded for Garrett, Lynch joked about reading an inspirational John Wooden quote that fell on deaf ears with Shanahan. The quote read: “Don’t lose sleep worrying about your competition. Let them lose sleep worrying about you,” to which Shanahan responded, “You know what? F John Wooden.”
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The feeling is only exacerbated by the return of Donald. But Lynch still feels confident in his team’s prospects ahead of the Rams showdown.
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“They got better certainly with him deciding to come out of retirement,” Lynch said. “I think we’re pretty good, too.”
Briefly: Shanahan declined to name a starting left guard or a backup running back when asked Monday. Rookie Kaelon Black is competing with 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James for the right to back up Christian McCaffrey. On Sunday, San Francisco traded for guard/center Jarrett Patterson from the Houston Texans after cutting Robert Jones and placing Brett Toth on season-ending IR. Jones was looked at as a potential depth option at left guard, while Toth was likely to be the backup center. Patterson could be a logical replacement to fill both of those roles, while Connor Colby and Carver Willis are the likeliest candidates to start at left guard.
Kiki Ramos, the Haiti-born winger who recently became the first player born in the Caribbean country to represent Argentina, has pushed back against criticism surrounding racism and discrimination in Argentina, saying he has never personally experienced it since arriving in the country as a baby.The 17-year-old made his Argentina U-17 debut this week in a 2-1 victory over Ecuador, marking a significant moment for a player whose journey to the Albiceleste began after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010.Ramos was born in Haiti on April 3, 2009, and arrived in Argentina at nine months old after being adopted by an Argentine couple. He has since developed through Vélez Sarsfield and is now attracting attention from clubs in Europe.Ramos responds to criticism surrounding ArgentinaAmid criticism of Argentina and allegations of racism circulating on social media, Ramos gave his own account of his experience in the country. Speaking as quoted by Albiceleste Talk, he said:“Did I feel any racism or discrimination in Argentina? Ever since I came to Argentina, I’ve never felt discriminated against.”“Other than the occasional fights between youth players during matches, everything has always been fine off the pitch. I never felt discriminated against, and I never felt different from anyone else. That’s why I feel like people who say Argentina is racist are just saying it for the sake of it.”Ramos added:“I think we’re just going through a period where Argentina is being heavily criticised, you know? But Argentina is a beautiful country. For me, it’s a dream to represent Argentina and a huge honour to wear this beautiful shirt. I’ve dreamed of it since I was a little kid, and I hope I can live up to it every time I’m called up.”Ramos’ remarkable journey to the Argentina shirtRamos, who goes by “Kiki”, survived the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010. The disaster caused more than 100,000 deaths, with an official figure of 316,000 later provided by Haiti’s government, according to the material surrounding his story.After arriving in Argentina as a nine-month-old, Ramos was adopted by an Argentine family and eventually began his football development at Vélez Sarsfield. His emergence with the club has now taken him into Argentina’s youth setup, where his debut came in the 2-1 win over Ecuador.His appearance has also attracted attention because of the historical context around players born outside Argentina representing the national team. According to the reports, Ramos could become the first player without Argentine roots to play an official match for the senior Argentina side since Paraguayan-born Heriberto Correa represented the Albiceleste after becoming an Argentine citizen in 1973.There is an unusual link between the two players beyond their birthplace circumstances: both arrived at Argentina’s national-team setup while representing Vélez Sarsfield, although more than five decades separate their stories.Ramos’ next major opportunity could come with Argentina’s U-17 side at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.For now, though, his focus is on building his career with Vélez and continuing to earn opportunities in Argentina’s youth teams, while his comments offer a personal account that contrasts with the broader criticism surrounding the country and its football culture.
Germany became the first team to win back-to-back FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup titles, beating Spain 1-0 in the title clash at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, on Sunday.
Michael Struthoff was the hero for Germany, scoring the solitary goal in the third quarter, converting Germany’s rare opportunity in a clash that was dictated and controlled by Spain, as per Olympics.com. This is Germany’s fourth Hockey WC title, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, tying them with Pakistan’s four titles.
Spain meanwhile made their first World Cup final appearances and dominated the match in terms of possession and chances for long stretches, but the German defence was way too solid and unbreachable for Spain.
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The Red Sticks continued to fight back, even withdrawing their goalkeeper in hope of a miracle, but Germany stayed firm, securing their fourth title.
Earlier on Sunday, the bronze medal for the men’s Hockey WC went to Argentina, who beat Netherlands 2-1 in the third-place match.
The result comes just less than 24 hours after Argentina’s women’s team secured the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup title, beating Netherlands by 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
There was a time earlier this year when Chris Waller was preparing to say goodbye to classy sprinting mare Generosity. However, this Saturday, she will begin another campaign for the champion trainer.
The six-year-old mare resumes in the $750,000 Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown.
Generosity was entered for Inglis’s Chairman’s Sale in May, but was withdrawn after Waller and owners B2B Thoroughbreds seriously contemplated a trip to Royal Ascot.
That potential journey was aborted after her unlucky sixth placing as a well-backed favourite in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on Anzac Day, and Waller is content to keep her racing.
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“We took her to Adelaide and had no luck and she’s spelled since,” he said.
“She was that close to going to Royal Ascot and we just pulled the pin.”
“Even after that (Sangster Stakes) she was still OK, but I just thought it’s a long way to go to not be a good thing.”
“She’s come back well, she’s trailed well and she goes good fresh.”
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The daughter of Divine Prophet, who ran sixth and fifth in two trials in Sydney during August, is chasing a maiden Group 1 win in the Moir Stakes.
The former Western Australian mare has won six of 28 starts, with her biggest win being the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) first-up last campaign.
The Moir Stakes will be her first run in Melbourne. Despite this, the $9000 weanling purchase has extensive experience racing anti-clockwise, due to commencing her career in Perth. She had her first 22 starts there, earning just over $800,000, before being sold privately to B2B.
Generosity is scheduled for a familiarisation gallop at Sandown on Tuesday morning, with Giga Kick and Natural Fling among other Moir Stakes entries expected to make the trip.
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Teams can carry up to 16 players, including six veterans with unlimited NFL experience, providing vital depth across the league following 53-man roster cutdowns
A summer when Arsenal targeted Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez seems set to end without them luring a Galactico of a forward but Mikel Arteta may have other ways of adding a new dimension to his attack. Perhaps typically, given the Arsenal manager’s obsession with accumulating defenders, it involves a man whose day job is at the back.
But Riccardo Calafiori got their season off to a flying start with a goal after 23 seconds in the Community Shield. And, when Arsenal seemed short of incision at Villa Park, it was their charismatic, compelling left-back who provided the element of unpredictability required. By surging forward to supply Bukayo Saka with a simple finish, Calafiori maintained Arsenal’s 100 percent start to the campaign. If part of the test is to improve upon last year, in one respect they already have: defeated at Villa Park in December, they were victorious now.
The buccaneering Calafiori provided the breakthrough with his low cross for Saka’s winner (Reuters)
“That image when the players were on the floor, totally gutted, it was a really difficult one to take and we used that,” said Arteta. This was cathartic and came from the collective. “It was a squad victory,” Arteta said.
It was forged more by perspiration than inspiration. If Arteta had seemed to take the handbrake off in eviscerating first Manchester City in Cardiff and then Coventry at home, this was a night when it was back on. Arsenal can win in different ways, but many of them involve a clean sheet and Aston Villa finished without a shot on target. The travelling Gunners’ eventual chorus of “1-0 to the champions” was a retort to their Villa counterparts chanting that they would never be able to call themselves champions of Europe.
Maybe, maybe not. But Saka’s second goal in as many league games showed Arsenal already had the potential to kick on; if Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard can stay fit, each could offer more goals than last year. And while they are yet to land a left winger, Gabriel Martinelli’s departure could afford Eberechi Eze the chance for more minutes on the flank.
He came on at half-time for Christos Tzolis who, after a fine start to his Arsenal career, was booked then hooked. Eze offered an indication of what he can offer to help set up the goal, releasing the underlapping Calafiori, who centred for Saka. “Ebs comes on and makes the difference to win the game,” said Arteta.
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It was a personal comeback, with Eze culpable for Matty Cash’s goal at Villa Park last year, and a swift response to a collective disappointment. Five minutes earlier, Arsenal were initially awarded a penalty when Ian Maatsen’s nudge in the back sent Saka flying. A VAR review later and the offence was adjudged just outside the box. Odegaard dinked the resulting free kick just wide.
Until then, the goalmouth action consisted of Villa rattling the frame. Emi Buendia, the late match-winner last season, was almost an early scorer, his ferocious, first-time shot thudding into the Arsenal bar.
Buendia had begun Villa’s Premier League campaign as a false nine at Brighton. They had a genuine striker here, the £47.5m Nicolas Jackson parachuted in for a debut after his move from Chelsea. He showed flashes of pace without getting a chance.
Arsenal shut out new-look Aston Villa, who offered a debut to striker Nicolas Jackson (Getty)
Perhaps the more auspicious bow came at the other end of the pitch, even if the statistics will not reflect it. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made fine saves from Declan Rice’s header and Havertz’s shot, when the German was clear on goal; he was not to know that, with the flag raised for different reasons, neither would have counted. The Japan international cut an authoritative figure and looked a worthy successor to the sold Emi Martinez.
The most notable bow, however, came in the closing stages. It was certainly the most audible introduction, with boos apparent when Ezri Konsa was on the ball. A stalwart of Villa’s best team of the 21st century had decamped to London amid the exodus. The fixture list may have been unkind to him, giving him an immediate return to Villa. Even with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber injured, Arteta had enough defenders to start without the £51m man.
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Saka scored his second goal of the season to earn Arsenal victory ahead of next week’s showdown with Chelsea (PA)
He also benefited from having players already accustomed to lining up alongside each other. This was change against continuity, with the upheaval at Villa versus Arsenal’s summer of stability and solidity. The stands at Villa Park contained Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ibrahim Mbaye, perhaps the last arrivals in a recruitment drive that has cost a quarter of a billion pounds, all funded by sales.
“We are happy how we are closing the window,” said Unai Emery. “We are not regretting anything.” His Villa were far better than they were against Brighton, though that is not saying much. They made that rout look like an aberration. “We performed like we planned and we competed like we planned,” added Emery. “The result, of course, is painful.”
He is reconstructing his side. Villa Park can whip up an atmosphere for a night game even when the North Stand is a building site but Arsenal are sufficiently battle-hardened they could cope with it. This was not a statement performance but, in its own way, it may prove a statement result. “To lose in Villa Park is not normal,” said Emery. It may have been a good time to face a team in transition but, thanks to Calafiori and Saka, Arsenal ensured it was as they pocketed the points.
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