Soccer Super Thread
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@Halbrowne61
@tiger_one
@full80
Al Hassan Toure hat-trick sees Sydney sink Central Coast Mariners 4-1.
Al Hassan Toure has stolen the show at Allianz Stadium, scoring a hat-trick to help Sydney FC secure an A-League Men’s win over strugglers Central Coast.
Al Hassan Toure scored a hat-trick as Sydney FC heaped further misery on a winless Central Coast with a 4-1 home thumping.
The one-cap Socceroo completed a first-half brace, before hitting the scoreboard again in the 50th minute.
Gabriel Popovic, son of national team coach Tony, came off the bench in the 83rd and scored two minutes later, before suffering a cut above the eyebrow from friendly fire in the ensuing celebrations.
But a foul in the box from defender Ben Garuccio on Mariners midfielder John-Kymani Gordon denied the hosts a clean sheet, with striker Oli Lavale converting the penalty one minute into added time.
Toure’s efforts at least helped last year’s grand finalists nab their second win of the season and leaves the Sky Blues (2-1-1) second ahead of the weekend’s games.
It was also the first time Sydney have put together back-to-back wins at Allianz Stadium since 2023/24.
@tiger_one
@full80
Al Hassan Toure hat-trick sees Sydney sink Central Coast Mariners 4-1.
Al Hassan Toure has stolen the show at Allianz Stadium, scoring a hat-trick to help Sydney FC secure an A-League Men’s win over strugglers Central Coast.
Al Hassan Toure scored a hat-trick as Sydney FC heaped further misery on a winless Central Coast with a 4-1 home thumping.
The one-cap Socceroo completed a first-half brace, before hitting the scoreboard again in the 50th minute.
Gabriel Popovic, son of national team coach Tony, came off the bench in the 83rd and scored two minutes later, before suffering a cut above the eyebrow from friendly fire in the ensuing celebrations.
But a foul in the box from defender Ben Garuccio on Mariners midfielder John-Kymani Gordon denied the hosts a clean sheet, with striker Oli Lavale converting the penalty one minute into added time.
Toure’s efforts at least helped last year’s grand finalists nab their second win of the season and leaves the Sky Blues (2-1-1) second ahead of the weekend’s games.
It was also the first time Sydney have put together back-to-back wins at Allianz Stadium since 2023/24.
@guyofthetiger
Thierno Barry scored two and created the other as Everton made it three wins on the spin to beat Coventry 3-1 in David Moyes' record-equalling match as Blues manager.
The Toffees had to recover from Yann Gboho's 52nd-minute opener as Barry headed home Vitalii Mykolenko's cross four minutes later, before taking his goal tally to 10 for the season when he bundled in Tyrique George's centre just past the hour mark.
Three points – which lifted Everton into fifth place in the Premier League table ahead of this weekend's round of matches – were then secured against Frank Lampard's top-flight newcomers nine minutes from time when Barry slid in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to blast past Carl Rushworth.
That ensured the Blues went into the upcoming international break buoyant as Moyes tasted victory in his 592nd match in charge of the Club, levelling the previous record set by Harry Catterick.
Barry Hits Double As Everton Win Moyes' Landmark Match
Thierno Barry scored two and created the other as Everton made it three wins on the spin to beat Coventry 3-1 in David Moyes' record-equalling match as Blues manager.
The Toffees had to recover from Yann Gboho's 52nd-minute opener as Barry headed home Vitalii Mykolenko's cross four minutes later, before taking his goal tally to 10 for the season when he bundled in Tyrique George's centre just past the hour mark.
Three points – which lifted Everton into fifth place in the Premier League table ahead of this weekend's round of matches – were then secured against Frank Lampard's top-flight newcomers nine minutes from time when Barry slid in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to blast past Carl Rushworth.
That ensured the Blues went into the upcoming international break buoyant as Moyes tasted victory in his 592nd match in charge of the Club, levelling the previous record set by Harry Catterick.
@kiwitiger
A-League Men leaders Wellington have drawn 0-0 with defending champions Auckland FC, claiming their first point in seven attempts against their fierce rivals.
Wellington have claimed their first point against Auckland FC, holding on desperately for a 0-0 derby draw to maintain a handy buffer at the top of the A-League Men table.
The unbeaten Phoenix were chasing their first win in their seventh derby, having lost the previous six clashes.
It was the first time Wellington entered the derby ahead of Auckland on the table and Chris Greenacre’s team will head into the international break as league leaders.
“Actually pretty disappointed to be honest,” Wellington skipper Alex Rufer told Sky Sport NZ.
“But on another note we’ll take a draw and move on.”
Saturday’s game was delayed an hour because of thunder and lightning, and heavy rain fell throughout, with water regularly splashing up off the Go Media Stadium turf and making the conditions tough.
Wellington had a great chance to open the scoring in the 13th minute when Kazuki Nagasawa latched onto a good header from Rafael Duran but dragged his shot wide.
Auckland defender Frances de Vries skimmed a dangerous free kick over the bar just after the half-hour mark.
In the 61st minute, Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove, back after a week’s suspension, almost scored after he was brilliantly slipped through by Lachlan Bayliss.
But the Phoenix’s impressive young goalkeeper Henry Gray got the faintest touch on Cosgrove’s shot with his legs to deflect the ball to safety.
Two minutes later, Duran failed to fully connect with a half-volley.
From there Wellington were on the back foot, while the Black Knights went on the attack.
Cosgrove turned a close-range header into the side netting in the 71st minute.
Auckland gun Callan Elliot, who is due to link up with the All Whites on Monday, went down after an off-the-ball tangle with Nagasawa and was forced off with a potential concussion in the 77th minute.
His replacement, Lachlan Brook, was excellent and forced Gray into a terrific save three minutes later.
Rufer fired over the bar in the 87th, but otherwise it was all Auckland, with Gray and the Phoenix defence led by Bill Tuiloma kept on their toes.
Logan Rogerson was almost the hero, sliding in at the back post and toe-poking a wonderful dipping ball from Brook wide in the 90th minute.
“It was good, it was tough, I think both teams were up for it and that’s what you want a derby to be.”
After the international break, Wellington (3-1-0) host Macarthur FC while Pedro Moreira’s Auckland (1-2-1) play Melbourne Victory.
Phoenix weather Auckland storm for derby draw
A-League Men leaders Wellington have drawn 0-0 with defending champions Auckland FC, claiming their first point in seven attempts against their fierce rivals.
Wellington have claimed their first point against Auckland FC, holding on desperately for a 0-0 derby draw to maintain a handy buffer at the top of the A-League Men table.
The unbeaten Phoenix were chasing their first win in their seventh derby, having lost the previous six clashes.
It was the first time Wellington entered the derby ahead of Auckland on the table and Chris Greenacre’s team will head into the international break as league leaders.
“Actually pretty disappointed to be honest,” Wellington skipper Alex Rufer told Sky Sport NZ.
“But on another note we’ll take a draw and move on.”
Saturday’s game was delayed an hour because of thunder and lightning, and heavy rain fell throughout, with water regularly splashing up off the Go Media Stadium turf and making the conditions tough.
Wellington had a great chance to open the scoring in the 13th minute when Kazuki Nagasawa latched onto a good header from Rafael Duran but dragged his shot wide.
Auckland defender Frances de Vries skimmed a dangerous free kick over the bar just after the half-hour mark.
In the 61st minute, Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove, back after a week’s suspension, almost scored after he was brilliantly slipped through by Lachlan Bayliss.
But the Phoenix’s impressive young goalkeeper Henry Gray got the faintest touch on Cosgrove’s shot with his legs to deflect the ball to safety.
Two minutes later, Duran failed to fully connect with a half-volley.
From there Wellington were on the back foot, while the Black Knights went on the attack.
Cosgrove turned a close-range header into the side netting in the 71st minute.
Auckland gun Callan Elliot, who is due to link up with the All Whites on Monday, went down after an off-the-ball tangle with Nagasawa and was forced off with a potential concussion in the 77th minute.
His replacement, Lachlan Brook, was excellent and forced Gray into a terrific save three minutes later.
Rufer fired over the bar in the 87th, but otherwise it was all Auckland, with Gray and the Phoenix defence led by Bill Tuiloma kept on their toes.
Logan Rogerson was almost the hero, sliding in at the back post and toe-poking a wonderful dipping ball from Brook wide in the 90th minute.
“It was good, it was tough, I think both teams were up for it and that’s what you want a derby to be.”
After the international break, Wellington (3-1-0) host Macarthur FC while Pedro Moreira’s Auckland (1-2-1) play Melbourne Victory.
Mabil sent off, Milanovic denied as City beat Wanderers
Melbourne City take home all 3 points…. just. An overturned Nicholas Milanovic goal in stoppage time salvaged all three points for the 10-man home side.
Awer Mabil received a straight red card but Melbourne City held on to beat Western Sydney 2-1 in the A-League Men, with a late Nicolas Milanovic equaliser ruled out by VAR.
A 10-man Melbourne City have held on for a 2-1 win over Western Sydney after Awer Mabil was sent off then Wanderers star Nicolas Milanovic had a late would-be equaliser ruled out.
City scored in the fourth minute through a wonderful goal from Brazilian midfield debutant Matheus Rossetto, before a terrific Milanovic strike equalised in first-half injury time.
Andrew Nabbout put City in front in the 62nd minute, but Mabil’s brain snap three minutes later meant Aurelio Vidmar’s charges had to defend a man down for half an hour.
City could be without Mabil for multiple weeks after the Socceroo was bumped in the back by Dylan Scicluna then whipped around and swiped at the Wanderers midfielder’s face.
Referee Alireza Faghani didn’t hesitate to send off the City star.
Milanovic thought he’d equalised with a powerful header in the 91st minute, but after a lengthy VAR review, the star attacker was deemed to have been offside and City held on.
For the opener, Mabil drove down the left then crossed into the box.
Scicula’s hacked clearance was a poor one that fell straight to the feet of Rossetto, who thundered a fierce strike back past the Wanderers midfield and into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
Rossetto hadn’t played in City’s first three games because of injury.
Bizarrely, play was stopped in the 16th minute as an unauthorised drone was flying over AAMI Park.
Milanovic fired warning shots in the 22nd and 28th minutes.
The Wanderers deserved an equaliser and got it when Milanovic rode a challenge from Emiliano Marcondes and ripped a sensational left-foot strike into the opposite top corner.
Western Sydney were on top but couldn’t make their dominance count on the scoreboard, with keeper James Niewenhuizen terrific, and City regained the lead against the run of play.
Nathaniel Atkinson’s long throw into the 18-yard box was knocked on by teammate Julio Cascante for Nabbout to score.
Mathew Leckie was arguably lucky to only receive a yellow card for a lunging challenge on Nathan Barrie in the 86th minute.
Niewenhuizen denied Aydan Hammond from close range, and minutes later City were relieved when Milanovic’s would-be equaliser was chalked off.
City head into the international break on a two-game winning run.
Jaiden Kucharski with a brace to remember as Perth Glory defeat Newcastle Jets 2-1.
The Newcastle Jets’ horror start to the season has continued, with the reigning A-League Men premiers still winless across all competitions after falling 2-1 away to Perth Glory.
Perth Glory displayed a clinical performance to claim all three points despite Newcastle Jets controlling the vast majority of possession (72%).
Jets continue horror start as Kucharski fires Glory
Perth Glory have seen off the Newcastle Jets 2-0, continuing the A-League Men premiers’ miserable start to the season.The Newcastle Jets’ horror start to the season has continued, with the reigning A-League Men premiers still winless across all competitions after falling 2-1 away to Perth Glory.
Perth Glory displayed a clinical performance to claim all three points despite Newcastle Jets controlling the vast majority of possession (72%).
- First Half Breakthrough: After absorbing significant pressure from the visitors, Perth Glory found the opening goal in the 39th minute. Sebastian Despotovski turned provider, setting up Jaiden Kucharski who slotted the ball past James Delianov to give the hosts a 1–0 lead heading into the break.
- Quick Double: The Glory caught the Jets cold immediately after the restart. In the 48th minute, Jaiden Kucharski struck again to secure his brace and establish a comfortable 2–0 cushion.
- Solsky's Heroics: Newcastle Jets mounted a heavy offensive in search of a comeback, introducing creative changes like Zach Clough at half-time. However, they were repeatedly denied by Perth goalkeeper Daniel Solsky, who pulled off 5 crucial saves to frustrate the visitors.
- Late Consolation: The Jets finally breached the home side's defence deep into stoppage time when Nikos Vergos capitalised on a Daniel Wilmering assist in the 92nd minute. Despite a brief VAR review confirming the goal, the final whistle blew moments later to confirm a hard-fought victory for Perth.
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@Halbrowne61
@Dr_Ice
@tiger_one
@jirskyr
@Harvey
Substitute Noah Okafor scored the only goal of the game as Leeds United defeated Tottenham Hotspur to earn their first Premier League win since September.
Switzerland striker Okafor combined with fellow substitute Harry Wilson 11 minutes from time to smash the ball home less than two minutes after his introduction at Elland Road.
His second goal of the season was enough to earn Leeds three points for the first time in six matches, while simultaneously ending Tottenham's three-game winning streak.
Leeds, though, were arguably fortunate to still have 11 players on the pitch by the time Okafor broke the deadlock late on, following a controversial end to the first half.
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi was left incensed by Jayden Bogle escaping punishment for a reckless challenge on Mathys Tel, with tempers flaring just after the half-hour mark.
Following a VAR check that lasted more than four minutes, referee John Brooks opted against sending off the Leeds defender, who ultimately escaped without a booking.
De Zerbi's anger was compounded when Tel was subsequently forced off injured and replaced by Dominic Solanke.
Substitute Solanke made his introduction count five minutes into the second half when he was in the right place at the right time to clear Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header off the line from a corner.
But the home side continued to push for an opener during a dominant second-half display, with Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff also going close before the breakthrough eventually arrived, sending the home supporters into pandemonium.
After pouncing on a loose ball inside the area and slamming it past Antonin Kinsky, Okafor secured Leeds their first win over Tottenham since May 2021 and lifted them to eighth in the table. Meanwhile, a first defeat in five matches sees Spurs drop to 10th.
It could have been a very different outcome for Spurs had the officiating gone their way in the first half.
Referee Brooks' decision not to send off Bogle was one that could have handed Tottenham a significant advantage.
Instead, De Zerbi's side, who lost Tel to injury as a result of the challenge, were left on the back foot and seemingly unable to recover.
Of course, there was more to Spurs' first defeat in four games than a single decision during a 90-minute match. However, it was a decision that appeared to rile De Zerbi and his players, with the visitors subsequently losing control of the game.
What will concern the Italian more is the fact that his side failed to create any chances of note during a toothless second-half performance, while Leeds looked capable of scoring almost every time they surged forward.
After three consecutive Premier League wins, De Zerbi will certainly be disappointed with how easily his side fell to defeat.
@Dr_Ice
@tiger_one
@jirskyr
@Harvey
Substitute Noah Okafor scored the only goal of the game as Leeds United defeated Tottenham Hotspur to earn their first Premier League win since September.
Switzerland striker Okafor combined with fellow substitute Harry Wilson 11 minutes from time to smash the ball home less than two minutes after his introduction at Elland Road.
His second goal of the season was enough to earn Leeds three points for the first time in six matches, while simultaneously ending Tottenham's three-game winning streak.
Leeds, though, were arguably fortunate to still have 11 players on the pitch by the time Okafor broke the deadlock late on, following a controversial end to the first half.
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi was left incensed by Jayden Bogle escaping punishment for a reckless challenge on Mathys Tel, with tempers flaring just after the half-hour mark.
Following a VAR check that lasted more than four minutes, referee John Brooks opted against sending off the Leeds defender, who ultimately escaped without a booking.
De Zerbi's anger was compounded when Tel was subsequently forced off injured and replaced by Dominic Solanke.
Substitute Solanke made his introduction count five minutes into the second half when he was in the right place at the right time to clear Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header off the line from a corner.
But the home side continued to push for an opener during a dominant second-half display, with Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff also going close before the breakthrough eventually arrived, sending the home supporters into pandemonium.
After pouncing on a loose ball inside the area and slamming it past Antonin Kinsky, Okafor secured Leeds their first win over Tottenham since May 2021 and lifted them to eighth in the table. Meanwhile, a first defeat in five matches sees Spurs drop to 10th.
It could have been a very different outcome for Spurs had the officiating gone their way in the first half.
Referee Brooks' decision not to send off Bogle was one that could have handed Tottenham a significant advantage.
Instead, De Zerbi's side, who lost Tel to injury as a result of the challenge, were left on the back foot and seemingly unable to recover.
Of course, there was more to Spurs' first defeat in four games than a single decision during a 90-minute match. However, it was a decision that appeared to rile De Zerbi and his players, with the visitors subsequently losing control of the game.
What will concern the Italian more is the fact that his side failed to create any chances of note during a toothless second-half performance, while Leeds looked capable of scoring almost every time they surged forward.
After three consecutive Premier League wins, De Zerbi will certainly be disappointed with how easily his side fell to defeat.
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@Jedi_Tiger
@mtd#2
@kiwitiger
@Liam
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the winner as his side beat Hull City to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The hosts were frustrated for much of the match at Emirates Stadium, but Odegaard reacted quickest to slot home on the rebound in the 72nd minute, after Noni Madueke's shot had been saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Arsenal almost had a second when Madueke went through late on, but the winger was tackled by Tzolakis only for the ball to ricochet off Hull's Nobel Mendy and then be cleared off the line by Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
The Gunners' win was their fifth in a row in the league since their 3-0 defeat by Brighton in September - still the only time they have dropped points so far this season.
Arsenal showed their champion mentality on Saturday to keep coming at Hull despite initially struggling to create chances.
The Gunners went close through Declan Rice's first-half header, which was straight at Tzolakis, and Madueke's low strike from a tight angle which was saved after the restart, but were far from their best until their goal.
Mikel Arteta's team also had a penalty shout turned down in the first period after Kai Havertz's shirt was pulled in the box by Mendy.
The decision was not given on the field although the Video Assistant Referee told referee Farai Hallam to look at the pitchside monitor.
Hallam then informed the crowd Havertz had been fouled, but no penalty would be awarded as the forward had been in an offside position.
Similar to an incident in their win over Liverpool last week in which Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt but the Reds were denied a penalty, the decision may have been headline news if Odegaard had not gone on to net the winner.
Instead Arsenal celebrated their ninth win in 11 matches and extended their unbeaten home run in all competitions to 11 games.
@mtd#2
@kiwitiger
@Liam
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the winner as his side beat Hull City to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The hosts were frustrated for much of the match at Emirates Stadium, but Odegaard reacted quickest to slot home on the rebound in the 72nd minute, after Noni Madueke's shot had been saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Arsenal almost had a second when Madueke went through late on, but the winger was tackled by Tzolakis only for the ball to ricochet off Hull's Nobel Mendy and then be cleared off the line by Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
The Gunners' win was their fifth in a row in the league since their 3-0 defeat by Brighton in September - still the only time they have dropped points so far this season.
Arsenal showed their champion mentality on Saturday to keep coming at Hull despite initially struggling to create chances.
The Gunners went close through Declan Rice's first-half header, which was straight at Tzolakis, and Madueke's low strike from a tight angle which was saved after the restart, but were far from their best until their goal.
Mikel Arteta's team also had a penalty shout turned down in the first period after Kai Havertz's shirt was pulled in the box by Mendy.
The decision was not given on the field although the Video Assistant Referee told referee Farai Hallam to look at the pitchside monitor.
Hallam then informed the crowd Havertz had been fouled, but no penalty would be awarded as the forward had been in an offside position.
Similar to an incident in their win over Liverpool last week in which Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt but the Reds were denied a penalty, the decision may have been headline news if Odegaard had not gone on to net the winner.
Instead Arsenal celebrated their ninth win in 11 matches and extended their unbeaten home run in all competitions to 11 games.
@full80
Rodrigo Muniz scored his first goal since the opening day of last season as Fulham denied Newcastle and head coach Matthias Jaissle a much-needed win at Craven Cottage.
Jacob Murphy looked to have scored a stunning winner 10 minutes from time as he pounced on a loose pass inside the Fulham half before cutting inside and curling a left-foot shot into the far corner from 25 yards.
But less than three minutes later, substitute Cesar Palacios' pass found its way to Muniz, who managed to stab the ball into the far corner.
Both sides had late chances to win the game but Fulham keeper Bernd Leno denied Lewis Hall before Newcastle's Lukas Hornicek made a flying stop to keep out Ryan Sessegnon's stinging effort in stoppage time.
The result means the visitors avoid a fifth defeat in six games to ease the pressure on Jaissle a fraction, but will feel it should have been three points having taken the lead late on.
Meanwhile, Fulham extend their unbeaten run to four Premier League matches.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side were the better team in the first half but struggled to create the chances to back that up, with Josh King, in his first appearance since earning a maiden England call-up, coming closest with a thumping 20-yard volley that Hornicek dived to push wide.
By weight of chances, Newcastle should have been in front with Leno twice keeping out Harvey Barnes, on the second occasion with his face after the winger had sprinted clear.
Dan Burn thought he had put the Magpies ahead from the resulting corner after turning in Murphy's cross.
However, much to Newcastle's frustration, the goal was ruled out for Yoane Wissa holding Timothy Castagne off the ball, preventing the Fulham full-back from moving out to potentially play Burn offside.
Barnes flashed another good chance wide just after the break before Sander Berge arrowed a shot inches past the post for Fulham.
Newcastle had the better of the second period but the game seemed destined to end goalless before Murphy's fine strike led to a lively conclusion.
Rodrigo Muniz scored his first goal since the opening day of last season as Fulham denied Newcastle and head coach Matthias Jaissle a much-needed win at Craven Cottage.
Jacob Murphy looked to have scored a stunning winner 10 minutes from time as he pounced on a loose pass inside the Fulham half before cutting inside and curling a left-foot shot into the far corner from 25 yards.
But less than three minutes later, substitute Cesar Palacios' pass found its way to Muniz, who managed to stab the ball into the far corner.
Both sides had late chances to win the game but Fulham keeper Bernd Leno denied Lewis Hall before Newcastle's Lukas Hornicek made a flying stop to keep out Ryan Sessegnon's stinging effort in stoppage time.
The result means the visitors avoid a fifth defeat in six games to ease the pressure on Jaissle a fraction, but will feel it should have been three points having taken the lead late on.
Meanwhile, Fulham extend their unbeaten run to four Premier League matches.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side were the better team in the first half but struggled to create the chances to back that up, with Josh King, in his first appearance since earning a maiden England call-up, coming closest with a thumping 20-yard volley that Hornicek dived to push wide.
By weight of chances, Newcastle should have been in front with Leno twice keeping out Harvey Barnes, on the second occasion with his face after the winger had sprinted clear.
Dan Burn thought he had put the Magpies ahead from the resulting corner after turning in Murphy's cross.
However, much to Newcastle's frustration, the goal was ruled out for Yoane Wissa holding Timothy Castagne off the ball, preventing the Fulham full-back from moving out to potentially play Burn offside.
Barnes flashed another good chance wide just after the break before Sander Berge arrowed a shot inches past the post for Fulham.
Newcastle had the better of the second period but the game seemed destined to end goalless before Murphy's fine strike led to a lively conclusion.
@Emile
@Tiger Woods
Liam Delap scored two superb goals as Nottingham Forest earned their first home Premier League win of the season with a pugnacious victory over a slipshod Manchester City.
Jair Cunha and Delap had given Forest a two-goal lead at half-time - both courtesy of rudimentary City errors - before Rayan Cherki pulled one back with a stunning half-volley.
City appeared to have the momentum but Forest remained dangerous on the counter-attack and Delap produced a spectacular finish to stymie any hopes of a comeback.
The result left City six points behind table-topping Arsenal - 1-0 winners over Hull earlier in the day - in second place, while Forest are now two points above the relegation zone in 16th. It also pushed Manchester United into the relegation zone for the first time at this stage of a Premier League season.
Forest had taken an early lead when Josko Gvardiol was punished for a slightly heavy touch before being bundled off the ball far too easily by Cunha.
The Brazilian advanced towards the edge of the box before stroking a low effort into the corner of the net from just inside the area.
The intensity of Oliver Glasner's side brought them a second goal when Xaver Schlager's tenacity allowed him to win a 50/50 challenge against a timid Elliot Anderson.
Schlager released Delap, who powered his way from the halfway line - unchallenged - before lashing a powerful finish beyond a hapless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City had their moments during a frenetic first period - Erling Haaland's shot from a tight angle was cleared off the line while Enzo Fernandez should have done better with a header.
The visitors reduced the arrears early in the second half when Cherki gracefully met a clearance with a crisp half-volley.
City then camped in Forest's half but Delap applied the coup de grace when he finished off a swift breakaway, spearheaded by Morgan Gibbs-White, with a rasping, curling finish high into the corner of the net.
@Tiger Woods
Liam Delap scored two superb goals as Nottingham Forest earned their first home Premier League win of the season with a pugnacious victory over a slipshod Manchester City.
Jair Cunha and Delap had given Forest a two-goal lead at half-time - both courtesy of rudimentary City errors - before Rayan Cherki pulled one back with a stunning half-volley.
City appeared to have the momentum but Forest remained dangerous on the counter-attack and Delap produced a spectacular finish to stymie any hopes of a comeback.
The result left City six points behind table-topping Arsenal - 1-0 winners over Hull earlier in the day - in second place, while Forest are now two points above the relegation zone in 16th. It also pushed Manchester United into the relegation zone for the first time at this stage of a Premier League season.
Forest had taken an early lead when Josko Gvardiol was punished for a slightly heavy touch before being bundled off the ball far too easily by Cunha.
The Brazilian advanced towards the edge of the box before stroking a low effort into the corner of the net from just inside the area.
The intensity of Oliver Glasner's side brought them a second goal when Xaver Schlager's tenacity allowed him to win a 50/50 challenge against a timid Elliot Anderson.
Schlager released Delap, who powered his way from the halfway line - unchallenged - before lashing a powerful finish beyond a hapless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City had their moments during a frenetic first period - Erling Haaland's shot from a tight angle was cleared off the line while Enzo Fernandez should have done better with a header.
The visitors reduced the arrears early in the second half when Cherki gracefully met a clearance with a crisp half-volley.
City then camped in Forest's half but Delap applied the coup de grace when he finished off a swift breakaway, spearheaded by Morgan Gibbs-White, with a rasping, curling finish high into the corner of the net.
@Bellend
@happy_tiger
@Criz
West Ham United slipped to a third defeat in four games as their sticky life in the Championship shows no signs of ending.
Second-half goals from Andri Gudjohnsen and Dapo Afolayan settled matters for Blackburn Rovers as Scott Parker's search for his first win as Hammers boss will stretch beyond the international break.
Joel Piroe pulled one back in the last 10 minutes but it was too little, too late as they slipped out of the play-off places.
West Ham had come from three down at Cardiff City to draw 3-3 on Wednesday night in Parker's first game since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
But they could not build on that second half revival as they were undone in east Lancashire despite the backing of 7,000 travelling supporters.
Captain Jarrod Bowen had come closest to scoring when he hit the bar early in the second half but just as the Hammers were cranking up the pressure, they fell behind.
The home side launched a devastating counter attack through Jayden Fevrier and his cross was headed home by Gudjohnsen.
And Tony Mowbray's side looked to have settled it when Afolayan fired past Mads Hermansen after West Ham had expected the game to be stopped with defender Max Kilman on the ground holding his head.
Piroe halved the deficit with his first goal for nine games but there was to be no rescue act this time with Tomas Soucek putting a late header straight at Balazs Toth as Rovers celebrated a fine scalp.
The win followed successive defeats as they moved to 13th, only two points behind their opponents, and was the perfect way to tune-up for their derby away to Burnley when the Championship resumes.
@happy_tiger
@Criz
West Ham United slipped to a third defeat in four games as their sticky life in the Championship shows no signs of ending.
Second-half goals from Andri Gudjohnsen and Dapo Afolayan settled matters for Blackburn Rovers as Scott Parker's search for his first win as Hammers boss will stretch beyond the international break.
Joel Piroe pulled one back in the last 10 minutes but it was too little, too late as they slipped out of the play-off places.
West Ham had come from three down at Cardiff City to draw 3-3 on Wednesday night in Parker's first game since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
But they could not build on that second half revival as they were undone in east Lancashire despite the backing of 7,000 travelling supporters.
Captain Jarrod Bowen had come closest to scoring when he hit the bar early in the second half but just as the Hammers were cranking up the pressure, they fell behind.
The home side launched a devastating counter attack through Jayden Fevrier and his cross was headed home by Gudjohnsen.
And Tony Mowbray's side looked to have settled it when Afolayan fired past Mads Hermansen after West Ham had expected the game to be stopped with defender Max Kilman on the ground holding his head.
Piroe halved the deficit with his first goal for nine games but there was to be no rescue act this time with Tomas Soucek putting a late header straight at Balazs Toth as Rovers celebrated a fine scalp.
The win followed successive defeats as they moved to 13th, only two points behind their opponents, and was the perfect way to tune-up for their derby away to Burnley when the Championship resumes.
@Leck
Jordan Thompson's first-half thunderbolt saw struggling Preston spring a major surprise by overturning Southampton 1-0 at Deepdale.
The victory was Preston manager Graham Alexander's first win in seven attempts since taking over from Paul Heckingbottom at the end of September.
Preston remain bottom of the Championship but it was a result - and a performance - which will rekindle hopes among the North End fan base that the side can turn their season around and stay up.
It was a first defeat in seven matches for a Southampton side whose second-half onslaught came to nothing.
A fired-up Preston pressed hard in the first half and could have taken the lead when Alfie Devine's shot was well stopped by Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Andrew Moran put the rebound over the bar.
North End did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough with Thompson's spectacular left-footed volley from outside the area finding the bottom corner in the 33rd minute - the Northern Irish midfielder's second goal of the season.
Southampton, who were forced into an early change when German centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck dislocated his shoulder after falling awkwardly and had to be replaced by Zach Abbott, were stung into life and Finn Azaz went close but the home side took a deserved lead into half-time.
Preston could have doubled their lead early in the second half but Thierry Small put the chance wide after being set up by Liam Lindsay's header from a corner.
However it took a great save from goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, who was making his league debut after Daniel Iversen was dropped to the bench to keep out Brazilian Wellington's powerful strike just before the hour mark and maintain North End's lead.
Nicholls also saved well from Azaz as Southampton stepped up their search for an equaliser.
But, despite a late siege, Preston held out to secure what was only their second win of the campaign.
Jordan Thompson's first-half thunderbolt saw struggling Preston spring a major surprise by overturning Southampton 1-0 at Deepdale.
The victory was Preston manager Graham Alexander's first win in seven attempts since taking over from Paul Heckingbottom at the end of September.
Preston remain bottom of the Championship but it was a result - and a performance - which will rekindle hopes among the North End fan base that the side can turn their season around and stay up.
It was a first defeat in seven matches for a Southampton side whose second-half onslaught came to nothing.
A fired-up Preston pressed hard in the first half and could have taken the lead when Alfie Devine's shot was well stopped by Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Andrew Moran put the rebound over the bar.
North End did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough with Thompson's spectacular left-footed volley from outside the area finding the bottom corner in the 33rd minute - the Northern Irish midfielder's second goal of the season.
Southampton, who were forced into an early change when German centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck dislocated his shoulder after falling awkwardly and had to be replaced by Zach Abbott, were stung into life and Finn Azaz went close but the home side took a deserved lead into half-time.
Preston could have doubled their lead early in the second half but Thierry Small put the chance wide after being set up by Liam Lindsay's header from a corner.
However it took a great save from goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, who was making his league debut after Daniel Iversen was dropped to the bench to keep out Brazilian Wellington's powerful strike just before the hour mark and maintain North End's lead.
Nicholls also saved well from Azaz as Southampton stepped up their search for an equaliser.
But, despite a late siege, Preston held out to secure what was only their second win of the campaign.
@Odessa
@Dr_Ice
Glen Kamara's first goal for Queens Park Rangers earned them a hard-fought victory against Lincoln City at Loftus Road.
Richard Kone had opened the scoring with an early header for the hosts, only for Dom Jefferies to bring the Imps level before the break with a cool finish at the end of a slick counter-attack.
Both sides threatened numerous times to take the lead after that, but it was not until Kamara turned in the box and fired home with 10 minutes remaining the the game was decided.
Victory ensures QPR go into the international break in the play-off places, while the defeat was Lincoln's third in a row to leave them just above the relegation spots in 21st place.
Ivory Coast international Kone nodded home his fifth goal in four games to open the scoring in West London, leaping highest to meet a header back into the box from Boy Kemper after the Imps failed to clear a searching cross to the back post.
Lincoln hit back in fine style, with Yunus Konak linking up with Freddie Draper who then slid a perfectly weighted pass for Jefferies to race onto before he dinked his finish over onrushing home keeper Pierce Charles.
The visitors were unfortunate not to lead soon after, as Reeco Hackett and Sonny Bradley both had attempts cleared off the line.
Paul Smyth went on to test George Wickens after the interval, while Adam Reach sent the Imps' best chance over the bar in the 63rd minute.
Ilias Chair came off the bench to play a crucial role in the victory, feeding the ball to Kamara in the box and he did well to find the bottom corner.
QPR head coach Julien Stephan told BBC Radio London:
"It's a big win for us. We knew it could be tough game and it was tough.
"They way that they play, it's always a fight against them and it was important to take control quickly at the beginning of the game. And that's what the players did perfectly in the first 20 or 25 minutes.
"We had full control but unfortunately after just one little mistake we conceded and the game changed a little bit in five or six minutes as they created momentum.
"We needed to speak with a lot of calm at half-time just to reassure the players.
"Even if the first five or six minutes of the second half were little difficult it was important to restart with the same desire to be dominant, to control the game and control the ball.
"They kept their confidence and continued to play in the same way and they scored a beautiful second goal – not only the finish, and not only the pass from Ilias Chair, but all the movement for me was perfect from the beginning of the situation."
@Dr_Ice
Glen Kamara's first goal for Queens Park Rangers earned them a hard-fought victory against Lincoln City at Loftus Road.
Richard Kone had opened the scoring with an early header for the hosts, only for Dom Jefferies to bring the Imps level before the break with a cool finish at the end of a slick counter-attack.
Both sides threatened numerous times to take the lead after that, but it was not until Kamara turned in the box and fired home with 10 minutes remaining the the game was decided.
Victory ensures QPR go into the international break in the play-off places, while the defeat was Lincoln's third in a row to leave them just above the relegation spots in 21st place.
Ivory Coast international Kone nodded home his fifth goal in four games to open the scoring in West London, leaping highest to meet a header back into the box from Boy Kemper after the Imps failed to clear a searching cross to the back post.
Lincoln hit back in fine style, with Yunus Konak linking up with Freddie Draper who then slid a perfectly weighted pass for Jefferies to race onto before he dinked his finish over onrushing home keeper Pierce Charles.
The visitors were unfortunate not to lead soon after, as Reeco Hackett and Sonny Bradley both had attempts cleared off the line.
Paul Smyth went on to test George Wickens after the interval, while Adam Reach sent the Imps' best chance over the bar in the 63rd minute.
Ilias Chair came off the bench to play a crucial role in the victory, feeding the ball to Kamara in the box and he did well to find the bottom corner.
QPR head coach Julien Stephan told BBC Radio London:
"It's a big win for us. We knew it could be tough game and it was tough.
"They way that they play, it's always a fight against them and it was important to take control quickly at the beginning of the game. And that's what the players did perfectly in the first 20 or 25 minutes.
"We had full control but unfortunately after just one little mistake we conceded and the game changed a little bit in five or six minutes as they created momentum.
"We needed to speak with a lot of calm at half-time just to reassure the players.
"Even if the first five or six minutes of the second half were little difficult it was important to restart with the same desire to be dominant, to control the game and control the ball.
"They kept their confidence and continued to play in the same way and they scored a beautiful second goal – not only the finish, and not only the pass from Ilias Chair, but all the movement for me was perfect from the beginning of the situation."
@TIGERS
Middlesbrough stumbled again without leading striker Will Lankshear as they lost top spot in the Championship following a goalless draw with Watford at Vicarage Road.
Just three days on from a first defeat in nine against Wrexham, Kim Hellberg's Boro huffed-puffed and threatened, dominating possession and carving out plenty of chances, but could not find the net.
A point, though clearly no disaster for the visitors, was not enough for Boro to retain pole position with Birmingham taking over at the top of the second tier on goal difference.
For Watford, a draw against the league leaders follows two wins in their past four to ease building pressure on manager Alessio Dionisi, and was enough to keep them five points clear of the relegation zone.
It will be of some concern to the Boro manager Hellberg that his side have appeared so reliant on the league's leading scorer Lankshear, missing here for a second game with a minor muscle injury.
On balance of play, Boro dominated control of the ball and created the better opportunities but either found their composure in front of goal lacking or could not get the better of Hornets goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia.
The Watford keeper produced an excellent save on 13 minutes to deny Jeremy Sarmiento and was on hand again to keep out a header from Callum Brittain eight minutes later.
The lively Sarmiento failed to get on the end of a cross flashed across the goalline from David Strelec just after the half hour mark and Sam Byram hit the post with an effort early in the second period.
Watford became emboldened, partly by luck and partly growing belief as the second half wore on and despite conceding significant ground in terms of match statistics alone did carve out a couple of chances with Iker Bravo going closest to winning it for the hosts.
The return of Lankshear, who has 13 league goals in this campaign, could well be the key to releasing the floodgates again for the Teesside outfit on the other side of the international break.
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees:
"I am very happy with the performance. We knew Watford were strong at home and have beaten some very good teams.
"We were so disappointed after the Wrexham game because it was the first game where we didn't look like ourselves. We know this was going to be a tough challenge but we showed everything we want to be.
"A lot of people will be disappointed over the chances and the fact we didn't score but in terms of the performance it was exactly what we wanted in how we run and take control of the game.
"There were five or six different players who ended up with big chances for us. With this performance we should win the game - you don't need to be a science man to understand that."
Middlesbrough stumbled again without leading striker Will Lankshear as they lost top spot in the Championship following a goalless draw with Watford at Vicarage Road.
Just three days on from a first defeat in nine against Wrexham, Kim Hellberg's Boro huffed-puffed and threatened, dominating possession and carving out plenty of chances, but could not find the net.
A point, though clearly no disaster for the visitors, was not enough for Boro to retain pole position with Birmingham taking over at the top of the second tier on goal difference.
For Watford, a draw against the league leaders follows two wins in their past four to ease building pressure on manager Alessio Dionisi, and was enough to keep them five points clear of the relegation zone.
It will be of some concern to the Boro manager Hellberg that his side have appeared so reliant on the league's leading scorer Lankshear, missing here for a second game with a minor muscle injury.
On balance of play, Boro dominated control of the ball and created the better opportunities but either found their composure in front of goal lacking or could not get the better of Hornets goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia.
The Watford keeper produced an excellent save on 13 minutes to deny Jeremy Sarmiento and was on hand again to keep out a header from Callum Brittain eight minutes later.
The lively Sarmiento failed to get on the end of a cross flashed across the goalline from David Strelec just after the half hour mark and Sam Byram hit the post with an effort early in the second period.
Watford became emboldened, partly by luck and partly growing belief as the second half wore on and despite conceding significant ground in terms of match statistics alone did carve out a couple of chances with Iker Bravo going closest to winning it for the hosts.
The return of Lankshear, who has 13 league goals in this campaign, could well be the key to releasing the floodgates again for the Teesside outfit on the other side of the international break.
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees:
"I am very happy with the performance. We knew Watford were strong at home and have beaten some very good teams.
"We were so disappointed after the Wrexham game because it was the first game where we didn't look like ourselves. We know this was going to be a tough challenge but we showed everything we want to be.
"A lot of people will be disappointed over the chances and the fact we didn't score but in terms of the performance it was exactly what we wanted in how we run and take control of the game.
"There were five or six different players who ended up with big chances for us. With this performance we should win the game - you don't need to be a science man to understand that."
