Happy Labor Day! It was a busy weekend of action. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe delivered standout performances, while Manchester United faced trouble in their match against Arsenal. Here’s the latest from around the soccer world.
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πΊ Footy fix
All times U.S./Eastern
Monday, Sept. 4
π¦π· Primera Division: Barracas Central vs. Arsenal, 5 p.m. β‘οΈ Paramount+
π¦π· Primera Division: Union Santa Fe vs. San Lorenzo, 7 p.m. β‘οΈ Paramount+
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β½ The Forward Line
Manchester United’s woeful start
Getty Images
Manchester United’s up-and-down start to the season hit another low on Sunday with a 3-1 loss to Arsenal. Although Marcus Rashford scored his first goal of the season and new striker Rasmus Hojlund made his debut, the team’s performance revealed their inconsistency. James Benge describes it as a team with few ideas on how to advance into Arsenal territory, despite their moments of brilliance. Additionally, tensions arose when manager Erik ten Hag and winger Jadon Sancho engaged in a war of words after Sancho was left out of the matchday squad. Sancho denied Ten Hag’s claims and expressed frustration at being scapegoated. The international break may determine whether these issues persist or if they cool off.
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π Midfield Link Play
Messi assists twice in Miami win
Lionel Messi provided two assists in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory against LAFC. This win boosts Miami’s playoff hopes as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Miami has had a strong start to the Messi era, with players like Robert Taylor and Josef Martinez also performing well. The question remains whether they can maintain this level of performance despite potential personnel changes. This weekend’s match against Sporting Kansas City will provide insight into the team’s capabilities without Messi and other international players. Miami may need more than just Messi to improve their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Now let’s take a look at some other headlines to start off your week.
π Check out Booth’s recap of last weekend’s Premier League action, including hat tricks from Heung-Min Son and Evan Ferguson.
π Kylian Mbappe scored twice for Paris Saint-Germain in their win over Lyon.
π Booth evaluates the winners and losers of the transfer deadline day and grades the moves made by USMNT players.
π Jonathan Johnson analyzes Randal Kolo Muani’s transfer to PSG, which almost fell apart hours before the window closed.
π Sandra Herrera covers the sale of the Chicago Red Stars to Laura Ricketts after approval from the NWSL board of governors.
π Herrera discusses Angel City’s 10-game unbeaten run under interim head coach Becki Tweed, putting them in contention for their first NWSL playoff berth.
π Luis Rubiales maintains that the kiss between him and Jennifer Hermoso was “mutual” despite her denial.
π Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
π Morning Footy reflects on Manchester United’s problems this season and discusses the weekend’s Premier League games.
π Morning Footy also recaps Miami’s win over LAFC.
π The Morning Footy crew analyzes AC Milan’s victory over AS Roma during the weekend.
π° The Back Line
π΅ Best bets
- League One: Cambridge United vs. Reading, 3 p.m.
π° THE PICK: Over 2.5 goals scored (+105) — In this match, expect plenty of entertainment and goals. Cambridge has a strong scoring record so far this season. - Argentina Primera Division: Union Santa Fe vs. San Lorenzo, 7 p.m.
π° THE PICK: Under 1.5 goals scored (+115) — This closely contested match between two teams level on points may not yield many goals.
