Real Madrid Come From Behind to Beat Real Sociedad 2-1 and Maintain Their Perfect Start to the La Liga Season

Real Madrid came from behind to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday, September 17, 2023, to maintain their perfect start to the season.

The visitors took the lead in the fifth minute through Ander Barrenetxea, but Madrid equalized less than a minute into the second half through Federico Valverde. Joselu then scored the winning goal in the 60th minute.

The victory was Madrid's fifth in five league games this season, and it moved them two points clear of second-placed Barcelona.

How did the match unfold?

Madrid started the match brightly, but they were caught off guard by Sociedad's early goal. Barrenetxea was played through on goal by Takefusa Kubo, and he finished calmly past Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid tried to equalize immediately, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Sociedad were well-organized defensively, and they made it difficult for Madrid to penetrate their backline.

However, Madrid finally got their equalizer just seconds after the start of the second half. Valverde picked up the ball in the midfield and drove forward. He then unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that beat Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro.

Madrid continued to press for the winning goal, and they got it in the 60th minute. Fran Garcia crossed the ball into the box, and Joselu headed home from close range.

Sociedad tried to get back into the game in the final minutes, but Madrid held on to secure the victory.

What were the key moments in the match?

Ander Barrenetxea's early goal: Sociedad's early goal put Madrid on the back foot, and it looked like they were going to have to come from behind to win the game.

Federico Valverde's equalizer: Valverde's equalizer just seconds after the start of the second half was a crucial moment in the match. It gave Madrid the momentum they needed to win the game.

Joselu's winning goal: Joselu's winning goal in the 60th minute put Madrid in a comfortable position, and it proved to be the deciding moment in the match.

What were the key takeaways from the match?

Real Madrid are the title favorites: Real Madrid have won all five of their league games this season, and they are the clear favorites to win the La Liga title.

Real Sociedad are a dangerous team: Real Sociedad are a well-organized and dangerous team. They showed their quality by taking the lead against Madrid, and they will be challenging for Europe this season.

Carlo Ancelotti is a master tactician: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti showed his tactical nous by making the right changes at half-time. He brought on Fran Garcia, who provided the assist for the winning goal.

Match analysis

Real Madrid were not at their best in the first half of the match. They struggled to create clear-cut chances, and they were caught out by Sociedad's early goal.

However, Madrid improved significantly in the second half. They equalized just seconds after the start of the half, and they took the lead in the 60th minute. Madrid then controlled the rest of the match, and they deserved to win the game.

Sociedad were also impressive in the match. They were well-organized defensively, and they created a number of good chances. However, they were unable to take their chances, and they ended up losing the game.

Player ratings

Real Madrid:

Thibaut Courtois: 7/10

Dani Carvajal: 7/10

Eder Militao: 8/10

David Alaba: 8/10

Ferland Mendy: 7/10

Luka Modric: 8/10

Toni Kroos: 8/10

Federico Valverde: 9/10 (Man of the Match)

Rodrygo: 7/10

Vinicius Junior: 7/10

Karim Benzema: 7/10

Real Sociedad:

Alex Remiro: 7/10

Andoni Gorosabel: 7/10

Robin Le Normand: 7/10

Aritz Elustondo: 7/10

Diego Rico: 7/10

Mikel Merino: 7/10

Martin Zubimendi: 7/10

Ander Barrenetxea: 8/10

Takefusa Kubo: 8/

Jofra Archer to Travel With England's ODI World Cup Squad as a Reserve Player

Jofra Archer, one of England's most exciting and talented bowlers, will travel to India for the ODI World Cup with the Three Lions squad as a reserve player. The 28-year-old has been struggling with an elbow injury for the past few months, and was ruled out of the entire home summer this year.

Archer's absence from the England squad is a major blow to their World Cup hopes. He was a key member of the team that won the tournament in 2019, taking 20 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 22.20. Archer's ability to bowl at high speeds and generate movement makes him a dangerous bowler in any conditions.

Despite his injury, England have decided to take Archer to India as a reserve player. This is a sign of how highly they value him, and how much they believe in his ability to recover in time for the World Cup.

What are Archer's chances of playing in the World Cup?

Archer's chances of playing in the World Cup will depend on how quickly he can recover from his injury. He has been making good progress in recent weeks, but it is still too early to say for sure whether he will be fit to play in the tournament.

If Archer does recover in time, he will be a major boost to the England squad. He would add pace and firepower to the bowling attack, and would also be a valuable asset in the field.

What are the benefits of having Archer in the squad as a reserve player?

Even if Archer is not fit to play in the World Cup, there are still benefits to having him in the squad as a reserve player.

Firstly, his presence would be a morale boost to the team. Archer is a popular and respected figure within the England dressing room, and his teammates would be inspired by his determination to come back from injury.

Secondly, Archer could still play a role in the team's preparations for the World Cup. He could provide support to the other bowlers, and could also offer advice to the captain and coach.

What are the risks of having Archer in the squad as a reserve player?

There are also some risks associated with having Archer in the squad as a reserve player.

One risk is that he could become a distraction to the team. If he is not fit to play, there may be pressure on the captain and coach to select him even if he is not 100% fit.

Another risk is that Archer could suffer a further setback with his injury. If this happens, it could put him out of the game for an even longer period of time.

Overall, the decision of whether or not to take Archer to the World Cup as a reserve player is a difficult one. There are both benefits and risks to consider. However, given Archer's importance to the England team, it is understandable why they have decided to take him to India.

The future of Jofra Archer

Archer is still only 28 years old, and he has the potential to be one of the best bowlers in the world for many years to come. However, his injury problems have raised concerns about his long-term fitness.

It is important for Archer to manage his workload carefully and to listen to his body. He should not rush back from injury, and should make sure that he is fully fit before returning to action.

If Archer can stay fit, he will be a key player for England for many years to come. He has the potential to be one of the best bowlers in the world, and he could help England to win many more trophies.

Conclusion

Jofra Archer's inclusion in England's ODI World Cup squad as a reserve player is a positive sign. It shows that England value him highly and believe in his ability to recover from his injury in time for the tournament.

Even if Archer is not fit to play in the World Cup, there are still benefits to having him in the squad as a reserve player. He can provide support to the other bowlers and offer advice to the captain and coach.

The decision of whether or not to take Archer to the World Cup as a reserve player is a difficult one, but it is understandable why England have decided to do so. Archer is a world-class bowler, and his presence in the squad could be a major boost to England's chances of winning the tournament.

What do the experts say?

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Archer is a "must-have" player for England in the World Cup, even if he is not 100% fit.

"Jofra Archer is a must-have player for

Manchester United and Chelsea seek reset after early Premier League struggles

Manchester United and Chelsea are two of the biggest clubs in English football, but both have had disappointing starts to the 2023/24 Premier League season. United are currently sixth in the table, six points off the leaders, while Chelsea are down in 12th place.

Both clubs have spent heavily in the transfer window, but their new signings have yet to make a significant impact. United brought in players like Casemiro, Antony and Lisandro Martinez, while Chelsea signed Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly.

However, neither team has been able to find a winning formula so far. United have already lost three games in the league, while Chelsea have drawn four of their first six matches.

Manchester United: A team in transition

Manchester United are in a period of transition under new manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman is trying to implement a new style of play at the club, and it is taking time for the players to adapt.

One of the biggest problems for United has been their lack of creativity in attack. They have scored just 12 goals in their first eight league games, which is the joint-third lowest tally in the division.

Another issue is that their new signings have not yet made a significant impact. Casemiro has been solid in midfield, but Antony and Martinez have struggled to find form.

Ten Hag needs to find a way to get more out of his attacking players. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial all have the potential to be world-class players, but they have not been consistent enough this season.

Ten Hag also needs to find a way to improve United's defensive record. They have conceded 10 goals in their first eight league games, which is the joint-second most in the division.

United's defence has been particularly vulnerable at set pieces. They have conceded five goals from set pieces in the league this season, which is more than any other team.

Ten Hag needs to address this issue if United are to challenge for the title this season.

Chelsea: A team in search of an identity

Chelsea are also in a period of transition under new manager Thomas Tuchel. The German is trying to implement a new style of play at the club, and it is taking time for the players to adapt.

One of the biggest problems for Chelsea has been their lack of goals. They have scored just 10 goals in their first eight league games, which is the joint-second lowest tally in the division.

Another issue is that their new signings have not yet made a significant impact. Sterling has been solid in attack, but Fofana and Koulibaly have struggled to find form.

Tuchel needs to find a way to get more out of his attacking players. Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech all have the potential to be world-class players, but they have not been consistent enough this season.

Tuchel also needs to find a way to improve Chelsea's defensive record. They have conceded 11 goals in their first eight league games, which is the joint-most in the division.

Chelsea's defence has been particularly vulnerable on the counter-attack. They have conceded four goals from counter-attacks in the league this season, which is more than any other team.

Tuchel needs to address this issue if Chelsea are to challenge for the title this season.

A unique perspective: Manchester United and Chelsea as a microcosm of the Premier League

The struggles of Manchester United and Chelsea this season can be seen as a microcosm of the Premier League as a whole. The Premier League is becoming increasingly competitive, and it is becoming more difficult for the big clubs to dominate.

The days when Manchester United and Chelsea could win the title at a canter are long gone. Other teams, such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, have now caught up with them.

This is good news for the Premier League as a whole, as it makes the competition more exciting. However, it also means that the big clubs need to be more careful about how they spend their money and how they plan for the future.

Conclusion

Manchester United and Chelsea are both under pressure to turn things around quickly. They both have talented squads, and they are both managed by world-class coaches.

However, they need to start winning games quickly. If they don't, the pressure will start to mount on Ten Hag and Tuchel, and their jobs could be at risk.

It remains to be seen whether Manchester United and Chelsea can reset their seasons and get back on track. However, if they do, it will be a sign that the Premier League is still the most competitive league in the world.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta denies plans to replace England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya

Aaron Ramsdale was Arsenal's undisputed number one goalkeeper last season, starting all 38 Premier League games. However, the signing of David Raya on loan from Brentford this summer has raised questions about Ramsdale's future at the club.

Raya made his Arsenal debut in the 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that he will rotate his two goalkeepers.

"I'm going to use both goalkeepers," Arteta said. "I think they're both top-class goalkeepers and they both have different qualities. I want to give them both the opportunity to play and to compete for the number one spot."

Arteta's decision to rotate Ramsdale and Raya has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans believe that it is a good way to keep both goalkeepers sharp and motivated, while others are concerned that it will disrupt the team's rhythm and stability.

It is important to note that Arteta has a history of rotating his goalkeepers. When he was at Manchester City, he regularly rotated between Ederson and Claudio Bravo.

It is also worth noting that Raya is a very good goalkeeper. He was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League last season, and he has a lot of experience at the top level.

So, why is Arteta rotating Ramsdale and Raya? There are a few possible reasons.

First, Arteta may want to keep both goalkeepers sharp and motivated. Ramsdale is the England number one, and he will need to be playing regularly to maintain his place in the national team. Raya, on the other hand, is fighting for his place in the Spain squad, so he will also need to be playing regularly.

Second, Arteta may want to give both goalkeepers the opportunity to play in different types of matches. Ramsdale is more of a traditional goalkeeper, while Raya is more comfortable playing out from the back. Arteta may want to use Raya in matches where Arsenal are expected to dominate possession, and use Ramsdale in matches where Arsenal are expected to be under more pressure.

Third, Arteta may simply want to keep his opponents guessing. If he rotates his goalkeepers on a regular basis, then opponents will not know who to expect in goal. This could give Arsenal an advantage in matches.

It is too early to say whether Arteta's decision to rotate Ramsdale and Raya will be a success. However, it is clear that he has two very good goalkeepers at his disposal, and he is confident that both players can help Arsenal achieve their goals this season.

Here are some additional thoughts on the topic:

• Some fans have argued that rotating Ramsdale and Raya could disrupt the team's rhythm and stability. However, it is important to note that Arteta has a history of rotating his goalkeepers without any problems. At Manchester City, he regularly rotated between Ederson and Claudio Bravo, and the team still won the Premier League title.
• Other fans have argued that rotating Ramsdale and Raya could send a mixed message to the players. However, Arteta has insisted that both players are aware of the situation and that they are both happy to compete for the number one spot.
• Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to rotate Ramsdale and Raya is up to Arteta. He is the manager, and he knows his players better than anyone else. He will do what he thinks is best for the team.

Here is a more in-depth look at the two goalkeepers:

• Aaron Ramsdale is a 24-year-old English goalkeeper. He joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 for a fee of £24 million. Ramsdale is a traditional goalkeeper who is very good at making saves. He is also a good communicator and a leader on the pitch.
• David Raya is a 26-year-old Spanish goalkeeper. He joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford this summer. Raya is a modern goalkeeper who is comfortable playing out from the back. He is also a very good shot-stopper.

It is clear that Arteta has two very good goalkeepers at his disposal. It will be interesting to see how he manages them this season.

Will AC Milan recover from their derby defeat in the Champions League?

AC Milan were handed a reality check in their opening Champions League game of the season, as they were thrashed 3-0 by their city rivals Inter Milan. The Rossoneri were simply outplayed by the Nerazzurri, who were more clinical and incisive in attack.

The defeat was a major blow to Milan's confidence, and it has raised questions about whether they are capable of competing at the highest level in Europe. However, there is no need to panic just yet. Milan have a good squad, and they are still under the guidance of an experienced coach in Stefano Pioli.

So, can Milan bounce back from their defeat to Inter and go on to have a successful Champions League campaign? Here are some of the factors that will be key to their success:

• Improved defensive performances: Milan's defense was simply not good enough against Inter. They were too easily carved open, and they made some schoolboy errors. Pioli will need to tighten up his defense if Milan are to challenge for the Champions League title.
• More clinical attacking play: Milan created a number of chances against Inter, but they failed to take them. This has been a problem for Milan in recent seasons, and it is something that they need to address if they are to succeed in the Champions League.
• Teamwork and unity: Milan have a number of talented players in their squad, but they need to work together as a team if they are to be successful. The players need to be prepared to sacrifice for each other and to put the team first.
• A bit of luck: Every team needs a bit of luck to win the Champions League. Milan will need to get a few breaks in their favor if they are to go all the way.

If Milan can improve their defensive performances, be more clinical in attack, and work together as a team, then they have a good chance of bouncing back from their defeat to Inter and having a successful Champions League campaign.

Here is a more detailed look at each of the key factors that will be important to Milan's success:

• Improved defensive performances: Milan's defense has been a problem for them for a number of seasons now. They have conceded too many goals, and they have not been able to keep clean sheets consistently. This is something that Pioli needs to address if Milan are to challenge for the Champions League title.

One of the main problems with Milan's defense is that they are too easy to score against on the counter-attack. They are often caught out of position, and they give away too much space to the opposition. Pioli needs to drill into his players the importance of defending as a unit and of tracking back quickly.

Another problem with Milan's defense is that they are not very good at defending set-pieces. They have conceded a number of goals from free-kicks and corners in recent seasons. Pioli needs to work on Milan's set-piece defending, and he needs to make sure that his players are more alert and focused at these moments.

• More clinical attacking play: Milan have a number of talented attacking players, but they have not been very clinical in recent seasons. They have created a lot of chances, but they have not been able to take them. This is something that Milan need to address if they are to succeed in the Champions League.

One of the main reasons why Milan have not been very clinical in recent seasons is that they have been too reliant on Rafael Leao. Leao is a very talented player, but he is not always consistent. Milan need to find other ways to score goals, and they need to be more clinical when they do create chances.

Another reason why Milan have not been very clinical in recent seasons is that they have been too slow in attack. They have often been given the time and space to build attacks, but they have not taken advantage of it. Milan need to be more direct and incisive in their attacking play.

• Teamwork and unity: Milan have a number of talented players in their squad, but they need to work together as a team if they are to be successful. The players need to be prepared to sacrifice for each other and to put the team first.

One of the strengths of the Milan team is that they have a good mix of experience and youth. The experienced players, such as Simon Kjaer, Fikayo Tomori, and Theo Hernandez, can provide guidance and leadership to the younger players. The younger players, such as Charles De Ketelaere, Sandro Tonali, and Rafael Leao, can bring energy and enthusiasm

NFL players to add to your fantasy roster in Week 3

The NFL season is still in its early stages, but it's never too late to make some improvements to your fantasy football roster. The waiver wire can be a great place to find undervalued players who can help you win your league.

This week, we're going to take a look at some of the top waiver wire targets at each position. We'll also provide some analysis and advice on how to best utilize these players in your lineup.

Quarterback

• Taylor Heinicke, Washington Commanders (4% rostered): Heinicke filled in for Carson Wentz in Week 2 and led the Commanders to a comeback victory over the Detroit Lions. He threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, and he also added 43 rushing yards. Heinicke could be a solid streaming option for fantasy managers in need of a quarterback upgrade.

Running back

• Matt Breida, New York Giants (6% rostered): Breida was the Giants' lead back in Week 2, and he made the most of his opportunity. He rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Breida is a shifty and elusive runner, and he could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in PPR leagues.

• Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings (4.6% rostered): Chandler is a rookie running back who is vying for a larger role in the Vikings' backfield. He rushed for 40 yards on 10 carries in Week 2, and he also added a 10-yard reception. Chandler is a talented runner with good speed and vision. He could be a good pickup for fantasy managers who are looking for a handcuff to Alexander Mattison or a potential starter in deeper leagues.

Wide receiver

• Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams (48% rostered): Atwell is a second-year receiver who is starting to emerge as a playmaker in the Rams' offense. He caught six passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Atwell has good speed and quickness, and he could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in PPR leagues.

• Nathaniel Dell, Houston Texans (24% rostered): Dell is a rookie receiver who has impressed early in the season. He caught seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Dell has good size and athleticism, and he could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in leagues of all sizes.

• Josh Reynolds, Detroit Lions (20% rostered): Reynolds is a veteran receiver who is starting to earn more targets in the Lions' offense. He caught six passes for 81 yards in Week 2. Reynolds is a reliable receiver with good hands, and he could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in leagues of all sizes.

Tight end

• Maxx Williams, Arizona Cardinals (0% rostered): Williams is a veteran tight end who is starting to emerge as a red zone threat in the Cardinals' offense. He caught two passes for 30 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. Williams is a good blocker, and he could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in leagues of all sizes.

Defense/special teams

• New York Jets (12% rostered): The Jets have been a solid defensive unit this season. They have allowed just 14 points per game in their first two games. The Jets have a good pass rush, and they are also good at forcing turnovers. They could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in leagues of all sizes.

• Minnesota Vikings (11% rostered): The Vikings have also been a solid defensive unit this season. They have allowed just 17 points per game in their first two games. The Vikings have a good pass rush, and they are also good at forcing turnovers. They could be a valuable asset to fantasy managers in leagues of all sizes.

Waiver wire strategy

When adding players from the waiver wire, it's important to consider your league's scoring format, your team's needs, and the player's matchup for the upcoming week.

If you're playing in a PPR league, you'll want to prioritize players who catch a lot of passes. Players like Atwell, Dell, and Reynolds could be good options in PPR leagues.

If you're playing in a standard league, you'll want to prioritize players who score touchdowns. Players like Breida, Chandler, and Williams could be good options in standard leagues.