01/10/2025
Vinicius' anger was directed at Mastantuono: What happened on the pitch
The Brazilian striker showed his displeasure at being substituted by Xabi, but this time it wasn't with the coach. The reason: what happened on the pitch.
Vinicius was once again substituted by Xabi Alonso, and the Brazilian left the pitch in a huff once more. However, on this occasion, his displeasure was not due to being substituted by the Tolosa-born manager, but rather to a play by Mastantuono.
The winger showed his dissatisfaction with what had happened on the pitch and made this clear to Xabi when he met him on the sideline. Vinicius pointed to the grass in an attempt to explain his anger. His frustration had been building up over several plays on the pitch and exploded before he was substituted, following a shot by the young Argentine.
In the first move of the second half, Güler decided to look for Mbappé in space, “forgetting” about Vini, who was in a clearer position, open on the wing. But the Turkish player opted for a pass to Kylian, which was ultimately blocked by the Kairat Almaty goalkeeper. Once on the pitch, the Brazilian complained to Güler with visible arm gestures. That's when Vinicius' fuse began to ignite.
Later in the match, just before the substitution, a shot on goal by Mastantuono ended up destroying the Brazilian's spirit, and he was unable to contain his anger when he reached the bench. The play unfolded as follows: Mbappé threaded a pass to Mastantuono on the edge of the Kazakh side's area, and the Argentine decided to shoot with his right foot, without seeing a clear pass to the Brazilian winger, who was running unmarked into the centre of the six-yard box. The shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, and Vinicius, clearly irritated, reproached him for the situation.
A few minutes later, the Brazilian was substituted, leading to what everyone saw. For his part, Xabi exonerated Vini at a press conference: "It wasn't a rebound. Another day... but not today. It's always up to the coach. Vini's wasn't a complaint. There was a comment that we understood." Without a doubt, it's not been the best start to the season for the Brazilian star.
30/09/2025
MANCHESTER UNITED players are astonished by how quickly they have spiralled this season.
Dressing room sources admit the squad is dispirited after the galling 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday, their third Premier League reverse already this term.
The United squad was genuinely optimistic of having a successful season after a harmonious pre-season in Chicago but there is already uncertainty over the future of head coach Ruben Amorim.
Amorim has taken a meagre 34 points from 33 Premier League games in charge, overseeing only nine wins.
United are monitoring potential replacements for Amorim, with Premier League-based coaches Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Fabian Hurzeler all under consideration.
Club sources insist United have no one lined up to replace Amorim but United are 14th in the Premier League table - a place above where they finished last season.
United denied whispers that Amorim had been called in for talks on Saturday night after the debacle at Brentford.
United host fifth-placed Sunderland on Saturday before the October internationals.
The United hierarchy effectively commenced plans to sack Erik ten Hag during last year’s October internationals after United suffered three defeats from their opening seven league games, winning only twice.
Amorim said after the humbling by Brentford that he was still “confident” he could make United a credible force again.
29/09/2025
MIKEL ARTETA had to hold one of his own coaches back in a confrontation following Arsenal's last-minute win at Newcastle.
Gabriel's 96th-minute winner wrapped up a late comeback for the visitors in a taut affair at St James' Park.
Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, as Newcastle midfielder Joelinton took issue with a member of Arteta's backroom staff.
The coaches seemed to be carrying out their post-match pleasantries as usual, until Joelinton strolled towards the Arsenal technical area.
The Brazilian pushed a figure that looks to be assistant coach Miguel Molina, 32, before Arteta got between the two, putting his arm around his colleague and pulling him away from the fracas.
Joelinton pointed angrily at the coach as the pair walked away, but did not make an attempt to follow them, instead turning to join his teammates in thanking the home support.
It was an ugly moment to end a cracking game of football in the North East.
Despite the scenes, it was another of Arsenal's backroom coaches that stole the show before the final whistle.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover received praise for orchestrating the dead ball routines that would change the game for the Gunners late on.
Arsenal thought they had the breakthrough when they were given a penalty early in the first half for a perceived foul on Viktor Gyokeres by Newcastle stopper Nick Pope.
However, referee Jarred Gillett was sent to the monitor and reversed his decision, saying Pope got enough on the ball to make it a fair challenge.
The Magpies took advantage of the swing in momentum when new star forward Nick Woltemade leapt highest to head an effort past David Raya in the 34th minute.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to haunt his old side, glancing a header of his own in from a Declan Rice set-piece routine in the 84th minute.
And Gabriel would complete the comeback from another set-piece twelve minutes later, with the Brazilian rising over Pope to head home a spectacular last-gasp winner.
The three points sends the North Londoners just two points behind title rivals Liverpool, following their loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
29/09/2025
Real Madrid started the season in superb fashion. They were undefeated in both La Liga and the Champions League, until Atlético Madrid came along. The 5-2 loss in the derby marked the toughest blow yet under Xabi Alonso’s management. Beyond the heavy scoreline, the biggest concern for fans is the team’s increasing dependence on Kylian Mbappé, whose offensive output is virtually the only pillar holding together a squad that still struggles to find balance in attack.
Mbappé: A consistent performer in tough moments
The French forward delivered once again when the stakes were high. He scored one of Madrid’s two goals against Atlético, the other coming from Arda Güler, underscoring a trend that has defined the early season: when Real Madrid scores, there’s a good chance Mbappé is responsible. In eight official matches so far (seven league games and the Champions League opener against Marseille), he has netted 10 of the team’s 18 goals. The only match he didn’t score in was against Mallorca.
Numbers reveal Mbappé impact, and the lack of alternatives
His statistics speak for themselves. In LaLiga, Mbappé has scored eight goals from just 24 shots, 13 of which were on target. That efficiency highlights not only his dominance in the box but also the scarcity of other offensive options to complement him. Put simply, Madrid depends on Mbappé in a way that is hard to disguise. Aside from the French star, only four other players, Güler, Éder Militão, Vinícius Jr., and Mastantuono, have scored this season.
Real Madrid struggles exposed against Atlético
The problem against Atlético was collective fragility. While Mbappé maintained his usual high level, the rest of the team failed to keep pace. The midfield, inconsistent in creating chances, couldn’t feed the attackers regularly. The defense, overwhelmed at the Metropolitano, looked unusually vulnerable. And the bench offered no meaningful solutions to turn the game around.
A paradox for Real Madrid
The result is a striking paradox: Real Madrid has one of the most decisive forwards on the planet in peak form, yet the team cannot build a system around him to support their attacks. Mbappé delivers, but he is doing it alone.
