Sam Kerr has scored her third of the game to complete her hattrick, giving Chelsea a 3-1 lead over Paris FC.

Coming from a Ann-Katrin Berger long goal kick, Kerr managed to bring it down on her chest, before taking one touch and lobbing the Paris FC goalkeeper to give Chelsea a 3-1 lead and complete her hattrick.

This now gives Chelsea a cushion, as they look to get their first win on the board in Group D of the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage.

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SAM KERR HATTRICK!!!

??????? ?? ? https://t.co/jWZ0fW8CGB
?? ?? ? https://t.co/SzA1yH7CPE
?? ?? ? https://t.co/gE1izq2GLv #UWCLonDAZN pic.twitter.com/b2bY6X1v3N

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) November 23, 2023

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Sam Kerr scored her second of the game, to give Chelsea a 2-1 lead over Paris FC, in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Chelsea work it from back to front, making four passes before Johanna Rytting Kaneryd finds herself in space to flash the ball across the box, where Sam Kerr is there to stab it home on her left foot.

Paris FC equalised before the end of the first half, but Chelsea have come out and got themselves back in front after just three minutes of the second half.

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SAM KERR GETS CHELSEA'S SECOND! ??

??????? ?? ? https://t.co/jWZ0fW8CGB
?? ?? ? https://t.co/SzA1yH7CPE
?? ?? ? https://t.co/gE1izq2GLv #UWCLonDAZN pic.twitter.com/9mTuy08sVJ

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) November 23, 2023

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Lauren James and Sam Kerr have combined for Chelsea to give them a 1-0 lead over Paris FC in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

A wonderfully weighted ball in from James finds Kerr lurking at the back post, ready to nip her way in and tap it home.

This is the second game for Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this campaign, as Emma Hayes women drew 2-2 with Real Madrid last week.

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Nov 24 2023, 11:06

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Nov 24 2023, 10:59

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Nov 24 2023, 10:25

What an assist from Lauren James. Sam Kerr finishes the job. Chelsea ?

??????? ?? ? https://t.co/jWZ0fW8CGB
?? ?? ? https://t.co/SzA1yH7CPE
?? ?? ? https://t.co/gE1izq2GLv #UWCLonDAZN pic.twitter.com/AKSKKL1F36

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) November 23, 2023

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It’s only taken a couple of months and the millions that Steven Gerrard is making in Saudi Arabia for him to be embroiled in a row as to who is football’s GOAT.

The Greatest Of All Time argument will continue for as long as a ball is kicked and is completely subjective, meaning that whether you’re pro-Messi, pro-Ronaldo or anyone else, there’ll always be plenty that will both support or argue against the decision.

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Nov 24 2023, 10:25

For Gerrard, however, it’s a little embarrassing as a few months ago, in conversation with Gary Neville for The Overlap, he quickly named Lionel Messi as the best ever.

In an extensive interview for the Saudi Pro League, the former Liverpool legend named former United man, Cristiano, as the greatest.

Not a good look…

?Steven Gerrard:

“I think when the GOAT, as we call him, arrived in January, it was a huge deal, and he still has a lot to offer in football. After the arrival of Cristiano the popularity of the league increased & all the big players moved to Saudi.”

pic.twitter.com/mxAeeAoWk0

— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) November 18, 2023

Greatest player of all time?

?? Steven Gerrard: “Lionel Messi for me.”

??pic.twitter.com/uxOfn0ZUMk

— HXN (@Hxnkhany1) November 6, 2023

Pictures from Saudi Pro League and Sky Sports

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Manchester United are facing additional injury setbacks as Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen have been withdrawn from the Denmark squad due to injuries, per Sky Sports.

Both players had to be substituted early in a 1-0 Premier League win over Luton at Old Trafford. Hojlund, the striker who was signed for £72 million in the summer, suffered a hamstring problem, while Eriksen sustained a knee injury during the match.

The injury woes for Manchester United are compounded by the absence of several first-team players, including Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, and Amad Diallo due to injuries.

Additionally, Jadon Sancho is still excluded from the squad due to a disciplinary issue, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who had just returned from injury, missed the Saturday game due to illness.

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Losing Hojlund, who is the clear first-choice striker for United, for an extended period could pose a significant challenge for manager Erik ten Hag, especially considering the tough upcoming fixtures, including a crucial Champions League match against Galatasaray, as well as games against Newcastle, Chelsea, and a trip to Liverpool on December 17.

This upcoming stretch is crucial for Manchester United’s season you’d feel, and possibly even the job of Erik ten Hag, with the Red Devils already falling behind in the race for the top four.

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Thomas Tuchel took over as head coach of Bayern Munich last spring after a challenging start at Chelsea, where he had previously won the Champions League in his initial season. Having had recent experience with both leagues, the German manager shared his thoughts on the differences between football in England and Germany.

“Mentally, physically and psychologically, it’s at the highest level [the Premier League]. That isn’t necessarily an advantage for the English teams, however, because playing in that competition is extremely stressful and then they also have to play in Europe. That’s why the teams are expanding. The squads are getting larger, and they rotate a lot more than they did a few years ago,” as captured by @iMiaSanMia

While Bayern is accustomed to the demanding nature of a season-long campaign across multiple competitions, Tuchel’s experience at Chelsea highlighted the importance of pacing themselves, using player rotation at the best opportunities.

Recent developments, such as the utilisation of deep rosters and regular player rotation, have allowed English Premier League (EPL) teams to better manage player workloads, thanks to their financial resources. Tuchel believes this has also brought about a shift in playing style, possibly offering a glimpse into his vision for Bayern’s future.

“Since they have started doing that (rotation), however, the English teams have become very competitive. There has been a trend towards robustness.”

Tuchel singled out Rodri being a prime example due to his physical style of play in the Manchester City midfield.

Having already beaten Manchester United at the Allianz, they get the chance to do the double over Erik ten Hag’s team at Old Trafford. Bayern will likely have to get a few wins against English teams under their belt if they are to go all the way in the Champions League this season.

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Eddie Howe’s team delivered a disappointing performance, suffering a significant 2-0 defeat in Germany against Borussia Dortmund. The result and performance highlighted their ongoing injury crisis.

That being said, the match served as a stark reminder of how much Newcastle United must progress to become a well-rounded and competitive side in the Champions League, emphasising the need for greater squad depth.

Despite these challenges, there’s potential for them to become a formidable force in European football with additional skill and tactics.

Howe’s post-game comments underlined his commitment to improvement without without making excuses. However, with only 13 senior outfield players and Callum Wilson’s early departure due to a hamstring issue, the team is severely constrained in realising its potential in this crucial season for the Toon Army.

The squad’s lack of depth is glaring, and the forthcoming Premier League ruling on squad additions from clubs in Saudi Arabia could impact their plans for the January transfer window. Newcastle were reportedly preparing for the arrival of Ruben Neves on loan from Al-Hilal, but these plans could be scuppered.

Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Javier Manquillo, Elliot Anderson are all set to miss the Magpies trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening. Along with Sandro Tonali (long-term suspension) and Bruno Guimaraes who has picked up a match ban due to picking up five yellow cards.

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Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

If Barcelona were not in crisis mode following their defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico, they most certainly are after two depressing performances and some disappointing transfer news.

The Blaugrana beat Real Sociedad (who are flying and qualified in the Champions League) in stoppage time via a brilliant Ronald Araujo goal last weekend, but were absolutely dominated for the first 75 minutes. While that could have been put down to a one-off, their 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk plunged them into despair, and this week’s news cycle has in part been dedicated to team meetings to sort out their issues.

One player who probably won’t do so is Vitor Roque. The Brazilian wonderkid, who Barcelona wanted to bring in this January having agreed a deal for the summer, is highly unlikely to join in the winter transfer window, as Barcelona’s finances will not stretch far enough.

Meanwhile Real Madrid followed up their Clasico win with a 0-0 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano, while Jude Bellingham dislocated his shoulder. He should be fine to face Valencia, but Arda Guler will not. The Turkish starlet’s torrid time with injuries continues, as he was ruled out for another month. Guler is yet to make his debut after suffering three successive injuries since joining in the summer.

Zidane on Messi. pic.twitter.com/heQEUmZAYF

— Football España (@footballespana_) November 10, 2023

Otherwise, Carlo Ancelotti has been fairly positive about matters. He did show his serious side in responding to Gerard Pique’s comments that his most recent Champions League triumph would not live long in the memory.

Across town, Atletico Madrid celebrated their 6-0 demolition of Celtic by renewing Diego Simeone’s deal until 2027. If the Metropolitano messiah completes his contract, Simeone will have been at the club for 15-and-a-half years.

None of the big three are leading the league though. Girona continue to defy the odds with their incredible run to the top of the table, with Michel Sanchez now being mentioned as Pep Guardiola’s replacement at Manchester City. Star midfielder Aleix Garcia is in the Spain squad, and their left-back is a potential transfer target for Arsenal.

There was disappointment at Real Betis that Isco Alarcon did not make the Spain cut, but that can be remedied with a win over Sevilla in the hottest derby in Spain on Sunday night. They may have a former Spain goalkeeper amongst their ranks this January too, after preliminary talks were started with David de Gea.

The post Inside Spain: Mini-Barcelona crisis, Real Madrid fake news, Arsenal interest in left-back and David de Gea appeared first on CaughtOffside.

FC Copenhagen center-back Denis Vavro criticised Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho, labeling him a ‘clown’ after Wednesday night’s Champions League match.

The Slovakian international accused Garnacho of attempting to sabotage the penalty spot during the game, which ended in a 4-3 victory for FC Copenhagen. The match was marked by controversy, including a red card for Marcus Rashford.

Garnacho, involved in setting up a goal, was seen celebrating by ‘shushing’ the home crowd and later trying to disrupt the penalty spot before Diogo Goncalves’ penalty kick. The Copenhagen defender later hit out at the Manchester United winger during a post-match interview with Danish news outlet Bold.dk.

Vavro: “I saw that he tried to do something about the penalty kick, but Kevin Diks stood in front and blocked.”

“It is the second time. And then on our track? To me, he is a clown. He has the mentality of a child when he tries something like this again in an away game. 

“One thing is at home in the 97th minute, but here in the first half. I don’t understand him trying to do that.”

The Argentinian international tried to sabotage the penalty spot at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture when Copenhagen was awarded a penalty in the final minutes a couple of weeks ago. That penalty was inevitably saved by Andre Onana thus making him the hero, however, he could do nothing to stop the Danish team from claiming a dramatic victory on Wednesday evening.

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The will-he-won’t-he saga of a move to Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappe now seems to be over after it was reported that the Frenchman’s move to the Spanish capital was ‘definitively’ off.

Though there appear to have been conflicting reports regarding the French World Cup winner’s next move, Spanish outlet, Cadena Ser, noted that Los Blancos were ‘definitively ruling out the signing of Kylian Mbappe.’

There are suggestions that the 24-year-old wants more money than Real president, Florentino Perez, is prepared to pay and, bizarrely, a question mark over his age.

In any event, the news that the Frenchman may well be available from next summer means that Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United and Newcastle, all of whom have been previously linked with Mbappe according to FourFourTwo, could be in with a chance of securing his signature.

Of the four Premier League giants, both Liverpool and Chelsea would appear to be in pole position.

Man United are still struggling domestically and in Europe and are hardly an appealing proposition for a player with Mbappe’s ambitions.

Newcastle would surely be able to afford the player’s demands, but Eddie Howe has been keen to ensure that the equilibrium of his dressing room remains.

More Stories / Latest News

“Beautiful left foot… ” – Eddie Howe excited by ‘real high potential’ Newcastle star

Nov 24 2023, 11:06

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Nov 24 2023, 10:59

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Nov 24 2023, 10:25

Jurgen Klopp has always appeared to be a keen admirer of a player who could be the perfect replacement for Mo Salah if he heads to the Saudi Pro League, whilst Todd Boehly’s spending at Chelsea has known no bounds to this point.

There’s clearly a very long way to go before Mbappe puts pen to paper for any club, however, the latest news could well see one of the world’s best players Premier League bound in time for the 2024/25 season – and a potential club rivalry with Erling Haaland.

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