Premier League LIVE: Arsenal vs Tottenham build-up, Odegaard injury latest, Maresca fires subtle dig at Ten Hag after Sancho’s winning Chelsea debut

Live Blog

Premier League Gameweek 4 fixtures

• Jor dropping

  Arsenal team to play Tottenham: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Jorginho, Partey, Trossard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

  Declan Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton and is suspended for this game, with Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ricardo Calafiori both picking up injuries over the international break.

  However, Jurrien Timber, who also seemed to pick up a knock during that Seagulls draw, is fit to start after featuring for the Netherlands.

  Kai Havertz is slotting back into a No.8 position, which is where he started his Gunners career rather than as a striker.

  That has allowed Arteta to maintain his 4-3-3 shape by pushing Thomas Partey into a more advanced area, with Jorginho as the No.6.

  Havertz’s absence from attack means Arsenal have turned to Leandro Trossard as a false nine following his absence from Belgium duty.

  Gabriel Martinelli takes up the spot on the left, with new signing Raheem Sterling short of match fitness.

  The deadline day signing last played a competitive game in May having missed out on Euro 2024 before being exiled by Chelsea.

• Solanke starts!

  Tottenham team to play Arsenal: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Maddison, Son, Solanke, Johnson

  Spurs are boosted by the return of two key players who missed the last game away at Newcastle.

  The first of those players is Micky van de Ven, who sat out of the trip to Tyneside after picking up a knock against Everton.

  But crucially, the second is Dominic Solanke, who after missing two straight games, has rested over the break and is fit to start.

  

• Ode to misery

  Huge news ahead of the north London derby…

  Martin Odegaard was NOT among the Arsenal players that have walked across the pitch and down the tunnel towards the dressing rooms at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

  There was no sign of Riccardo Calafiori either, but Gabriel Jesus is with the squad ahead of his expected return from injury.

  The Brazilian could be needed to come straight into the starting XI, with Leandro Trossard another option as the focal point of attack.

  Kai Havertz is expected to be moved back into midfield, with Raheem Sterling named on the bench, talkSPORT understands.

  

• Red light

  Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted his team’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest should act as a ‘reality check’.

  The Reds had made a dream start to life under Arne Slot with three straight Premier League wins without conceding a goal.

  However, the Merseysiders were brought crashing back down to earth in their first match since the end of the international break.

  Callum Hudson-Odoi stunned Anfield by scoring the winner on Saturday, and Liverpool will now need an instant response against AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

  “First of all it was a very disappointing day,” Netherlands skipper Van Dijk said. “The result and also most of the performance was too rushed and we lost too many second balls.

  “We know how direct they are so playing against a big striker you can sometimes lose a challenge and you have to be ready for the second ball and every time there was a second ball they were on the right side of it.

  “They got momentum in terms of winning the right challenges and they did they job very well and in terms of ourselves we weren’t good enough. That’s the disappointing point of it.

  “It’s difficult for me to say [if the international break didn’t help]. Everyone is coming back from different places and playing a different way but still I think even today when we were not at our best we created chances and it should have gone better.

  “But it is a performance we are definitely not happy with, we expect a lot better from ourselves and losing at home is something that can’t happen. We have to turn it around pretty quickly and that will be the focus.

  “We still tried but I think we were too rushed, we put the ball in the box a bit too quick or over played it and then you don’t get the momentum you want to get.

  “Overall it was a disappointing afternoon, something we didn’t want to happen but we have to turn this around and make this a sort of a reality check to be better for the rest of the season because if you want to achieve things this season the contrast between the games we played is too big.”

  

• Petit problem

  Emmanuel Petit is worried a north London derby defeat for Arsenal could kill their title ambitions.

  Mikel Arteta’s side will go into the clash against Tottenham on Sunday without Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard, two vital players in the midfield.

  And Petit, who featured 118 times for Arsenal, holds grave fears about the drop-off in quality from the pair to whoever will replace them, especially in a clash against bitter rivals Tottenham.

• Bee sting

  Thomas Frank criticised Mateo Kovacic after his ‘reckless tackle’ forced Yoane Wissa off during Brentford’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

  Congo forward Wissa gave the Bees a shock lead against the champions after only 22 seconds to rattle Pep Guardiola’s side.

  However, the 28-year-old was later substituted after a challenge from Croatian Kovacic as City fought back to earn all three points.

  Frank stated: “It could be a shorter one or it could be a longer one, I actually have no clue. We need to assess him tomorrow.

  “It was a reckless tackle, I thought, from Kovacic, just going through the man, from behind him.

  “I know it’s probably not a red card, but it’s frustrating that it’s led to an injury.”

  

• Sol searching

  Richarlison has dropped a team news hint ahead of the north London derby by seemingly confirming Dominic Solanke will play.

  The Brazilian left Tottenham fans excited by suggesting that his Spurs teammate will be fit to return from injury today.

  The two attackers have both struggled with fitness issues this season, with Richarlison expected to miss out against Arsenal.

  However, club record signing Solanke, who has been nursing an ankle problem since the first game of the season, is likely to return.

  And Richarlison poured fuel on the fire in a message to the former Bournemouth star, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Saturday.

  Richarlison tipped Tottenham captain Heung-min Son to provide him with an assist against Arsenal, saying: “Sonny will give you a gift tomorrow bro.”

  Solanke will be desperate to get off the mark for his new club after a frustrating start to life in north London.

  Having failed to score or assist in the 1-1 draw with Leicester, the England striker has since missed the following two games through injury but a goal against rivals Arsenal would be the perfect response.

  

• Perfect ten

  Enzo Maresca fired a subtle dig at Erik ten Hag as Jadon Sancho impressed on his Chelsea debut after ending his Manchester United nightmare.

  England winger Sancho joined the Blues on deadline day on loan with an obligation to buy from the Red Devils next summer.

  In his first outing as a Chelsea player last night the 24-year-old assisted Christopher Nkunku’s winning goal in a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

  Sancho was also awarded the player of the match despite only playing the final 45 minutes on the south coast.

  It signals a dramatic turnaround for Sancho, who hadn’t played any Premier League football for Man United since September 2023.

  Following a fallout with Ten Hag, he spent a period in exile before being shipped out loan to Borussia Dortmund for the second half of last season.

  However, Sancho already appeared rejuvenated at Chelsea, with Maresca saying: “Very happy, very happy for him.

  “He was very good, I think Joao [Felix] was very good and Christoph scored but was also very good.

  “I said already when we brought in Jadon that the reason why is because we were looking for another winger like Noni [Madueke]. Noni is doing that on the right side, winning one v one, creating chances, scoring goals and we were looking for the same on our left side with Jadon.

  “We already have Mischa [Mudryk] there, Pedro is playing there but it’s good to have both wingers they can give us this kind of options.”

  Asked about the impact a positive relationship with fans and staff could be for Sancho’s form, Marsca added: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.

  “This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play. They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”

  

• How the table looks

  It’s been another hectic Saturday of Premier League action.

  Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have all picked up victories.

  While Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton both fell to defeats.

  And if you’re a Citizens supporter, you’re going to bed happy heading into Sunday’s fixtures.

  Here’s how the table looks.

  

• Full-time

  And that’s it!

  Chelsea have emerged as 1-0 victors over Bournemouth in a match they were largely dominated in.

  Christopher Nkunku’s late goal proved to be the difference after combining with debutant and fellow substitute Jadon Sancho.

  The result lifts Chelsea up to seventh place – level on points with London rivals Arsenal.

  As for Bournemouth, they have dropped down into the bottom half of the table.

  

• Super Subs

  Talk about making an impact!

  Christopher Nkunku needed just seven minutes on the pitch to score what looks to be the winner for Chelsea.

  New boy and fellow sub Jadon Sancho bagged the assist, too.

  Nkunku brings out his blue balloon for the celebration as Enzo Maresca’s side look poised to take all three points back to London.

  

• Enter Sancho

  Here. We. Go. Sancho is on for his Chelsea debut.

  He’s replaced Pedro Neto at half time.

  It’s still 0-0 here at the Vitality Stadium after Roberto Sanchez expertly denied Evanilson from the spot in the first half.

  Could the Manchester United loanee spring Chelsea into life?

  

• Penalty missed!

  Will Bournemouth be made to rue this miss?

  The Cherries were awarded a spot-kick after Robert Sanchez fouled Evanilson.

  But the Spanish shot-stopper immediately made amends by tipping the Brazilian striker’s effort around the bottom left post.

  Chelsea are clinging on!

• So close

  Bournemouth have went inches away from opening the deadlock against Chelsea in emphatic fashion.

  Fresh from John Duran’s stunner against Everton, Marcus Tavernier tried his luck from distance.

  And it almost paid off, but his effort crashed against the woodwork with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez beaten.

  It’s been a bright start from the hosts, who as of yet, have reduced the Blues to scraps.

  Famous last words?

  

• Duran delight

  Jhon Duran’s stunner wins the game for Aston Villa.

  Everton have thrown away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 for the second straight game after another collapse.

  Ollie Watkins’ brace levelled the scores before Duran came off the bench to fire in an unstoppable strike.

  That goal has made it three wins from four games for Unai Emery’s side and they are now up into the top four.

  What a great start to the season for Villa.

  It’s the opposite story for Everton though, as they sit bottom after losing all four of their opening games this season, conceding 13 goals.

  

• OH. MY. WORD.

  WHAT A STUNNING GOAL THAT IS!

  JHON DURAN. WOW.

  The Colombian has just come on and he’s fired in a contender for Goal of the Season from a long, long way out.

  It’s a rocket into the top corner. Unstoppable.

  Aston Villa have come from 2-0 down to lead 3-2.

  Emi Martinez can’t believe what he’s just seen and neither can I.

  

• ASTON VILLA LEVEL!

  Everton have let another 2-0 lead slip!

  Aston Villa are level as Ollie Watkins scores his second of the game.

  A long ball forces Jack Harrison into a mistake and he deflects the ball into Watkins’ path before the striker taps home.

  The Toffees are well on the back foot now at Villa Park, with just over half an hour to go.

  

• Late kick-off team news

  Enzo Fernandez is not in the Chelsea squad this evening.

  Instead, Renao Veiga makes his first Premier League start in midfield and Moises Caicedo captains the Blues.

  Jadon Sancho is on the bench after making a loan move from Man United on Deadline Day.

  As for Bournemouth, Mark Travers is in goal as Kepa can’t play against his parent club while Evanilson keeps his place up front.

  Bournemouth XI: Travers, Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Kluivert, Semenyo, Tavernier, Evanilson.

  Subs: Dennis, Huijsen, Hill, Araujo, Brooks, Scott, Sinisterra, Billing, Unal.

  Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Disasi, Fly, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Veiga, Palmer, Madueke, Neto, Jackson.

  Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Casadei, Mudryk, Sancho, Felix, Nkunku, Guiu.

  

• ‘Stop exploiting loyalty’

  Aston Villa fans have protested against the club’s decision to raise ticket prices for their Champions League games.

  Earlier this summer, the club announced that tickets for their home European games were on sale.

  But they were up for prices as high as £97 per ticket…

  It led to plenty of anger from supporters and that was increased when the Villa board explained their decision.

  They claimed that the club needed to raise prices to help deal with Financial Fair Play rules.

  The situation has caused fans to protest this evening at the game against Everton, with fans holding up banners reading ‘Stop exploiting loyalty’.

  

  

• HT: Aston Villa 1-2 Everton

  It’s been all Aston Villa but they trail Everton at the break.

  Goals from Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have the visitors in front with their only two shots on target.

  Ollie Watkins has brought Villa back into the game and if momentum continues in the same way, they will fancy turning this around.

  The home fans have been pushing their team on and Sean Dyche’s side are going to find this hard to hang onto their lead.

  If they do let it slip, it will be the second straight game they have thrown away a 2-0 lead, following a late 3-2 loss to Bournemouth.

  

• ‘We need to question the Premier League’

  Leicester boss Steve Cooper has called for the club to contact the Premier League after a controversial VAR decision.

  Jean-Philippe Mateta scored for Crystal Palace to make it 2-1 at the time, but the goal was initially ruled out for offside.

  However, after a long check, it was given as onside and the goal stood, with Palace going on to score again and draw 2-2.

  VAR angles appear to be not very clear in showing where the onside decision was found and Cooper isn’t happy.

  “We need to question the Premier League straight away and I’ll be straight on to the club,” he said post-match.

  “I want to see THE image that said he [Mateta] was definitely onside, because I’ve not seen it yet.

  “If it is, it is. We’ll hold our hands up. But we definitely, definitely, definitely need to see that image and I’ll leave it at that for now.”

  Cooper then went on to say in his press conference: “I want to see an absolute offside image of the goal.

  “As a group, we’re waiting for the absolute clarity that he was onside.

  “If he was, no problem. We will accept it and move on.”

• One back

  Ollie Watkins halves the deficit!

  He has ended his nine-game goal drought on his 150th Premier League appearance by heading home at the back post to reignite Aston Villa!

  The striker nods home from a lofted cross by Lucas Digne.

  There’s a long way to go and now Everton will be on edge, with things already getting nervy.

  Interim England boss Lee Carsley is in the stands and he’ll be delighted to see Watkins get off the mark this season.

  

• Two for the Toffees

  What a start for Everton at Villa Park!

  The Toffees are 2-0 up against Aston Villa and they’ve shocked the hosts who can move into the top four with a win.

  Dwight McNeil opened the scoring before Dominic Calvert-Lewin added another before the half-hour mark.

  It leaves Unai Emery’s side with a mountain to climb…

  

• Not good enough

  Arne Slot has lamented his Liverpool side’s lack of creativity in their defeat to Nottingham Forest.

  It is the first time in the Dutchman’s reign in charge of the Reds that he has not claimed maximum points from a Premier League match.

  Incredibly, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike is the only goal they have conceded from four top-flight matches.

  Speaking after the loss, Slot said: “The result frustrates the most and we cannot be hapy about how the game went.

  “It was a stop-start game and we hardly created any chances.

  “We only have to look at ourselves, we have to be better. Far too many times we lost the ball around the area, it was not good enough. We have to be better with the ball.

  “Our decisions and execution wasn’t good enough. In general we defended quite well, but the two fast players came on and made it difficult. We took a lot of risk and in the end it was a very good goal.”

  

• Team news

  Aston Villa and Everton have kicked off at Villa Park.

  Villa are looking to make it back-to-back wins after beating Leicester away last time out.

  Meanwhile Everton are rooted to the bottom of the table having tasted defeat in their opening three matches.

  Here is how both teams are starting.